HC Deb 14 October 1991 vol 196 cc2-3W
44. Mr. Hain

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last met representatives of the G7 to discuss aid and development in the third world; and what was the outcome of the meeting.

Mrs. Chalker

G7 representatives met at the London economic summit on 15 to 17 July; the economic declaration covered economic policy, international trade, the middle east, developing countries and debt, the environment, and drugs.

47. Mr. George Howarth

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action to promote development in the third world has been taken by the Overseas Development Administration as a result of the G7 meeting.

Mrs. Chalker

The London economic summit emphasised the importance of aid quality, good government, economic reform and aid for the poorest. In formulating its aid programmes the ODA continues to attach the highest priority to these objectives.

Mr. Harry Greenway

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the criteria against which aid to a third world country is increased or decreased.

Mrs. Chalker

The aid programme is managed flexibly to enable us to respond to the changing needs of developing countries. Individual country programmes are reviewed annually to ensure appropriate and effective use of resources, taking into account good government and sound economic policies.