HC Deb 06 March 1989 vol 148 cc404-5W
59. Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the level of the United Kingdom overseas development budget at current prices in 1979; and what is the planned level for 1989–90.

Mr. Chris Patten

At today's prices the net aid programme stood at £1,489 million in 1979–80. The aid budget for next year will be £1,430 million plus additional provision for Nigeria which I currently expect to be a further £47 million.