HC Deb 09 February 1966 vol 724 cc114-5W
Mr. J. H. Osborn

asked the Minister of Overseas Development if he will tabulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the total value of outstanding Government loans to underdeveloped countries in the Commonwealth, all underdeveloped countries, all Commonwealth countries, and all countries, respectively, at 31st December, 1965, stating in each case, and in total, what further loans were granted during 1965, what value of loans have been interest free, and what has been the average rate of and total interest remitted to this country.

Mr. Greenwood

I am concerned only with economic aid to developing countries. The following is the information requested in their regard. The figures exclude Exchequer advances to, and investment by, the Commonwealth Development Corporation.

I. Loans Outstanding on 31st December 1965:
£m.
(a) Developing Commonwealth countries 411.6
(b) All developing countries (including those at (a)) 473.2
II. Loans Committed during 1965:
(a) Developing Commonwealth coun tries 43.6
(b) All developing countries (including those at (a)) 63.5
III. Interest-free Loans Committed during 1965:(including relevant terms from II)
(a) Developing Commonwealth countries 23.4
(b) All developing countries (including those at (a)) 26.1
IV. Average Rates of Interest (excluding the effect of grace periods and waivers) on new loans committed during 1965:
Maturity Rate Average Period per cent.
5 years up to but excluding 10 years 6.7
10 years up to but excluding 10 years 5.6
20 years up to but excluding 25 years 5.7
25 years and over 3.3
£m.
V. Total Receipts of Interest in 1965: 15.3