§ Mr. Juddasked the Minister of Overseas Development what proportion of the £205 million overseas aid and development programme is made up of grants to developing countries towards the cost of pensions for service by British personnel in former dependencies and colonies before independence.
§ Mr. OramNo separate grants have been made for this specific purpose. Since April, 1961 we have provided the Governments of former dependencies with grants towards the cost of pensions in proportion to the inducement elements in their remuneration which the British Government has also provided. In respect of those dependencies which achieved independence after April, 1961, these grants have to some extent covered pensionable service before independence. The amount of the grants which does so is about £278,000. The corresponding 99W amount of grants which we have provided in respect of commutation of pensions is £465,000.