HC Deb 20 November 1970 vol 806 c497W
Mr. Prentice

asked the Minister for Overseas Development by how much the disbursement of overseas aid for the financial year 1969–70 fell short of the aid ceiling of £219 million; what was the similar shortfall for 1968–69 and 1967–68; and what steps he will take to ensure that the sums recently announced for overseas aid up to 1974–75 are actually spent.

Mr. Kershaw

The figures requested are as follows:

Basic Programme Additional Items Total
Ceiling Outturn Outturn Outturn
£m. £m. £m. £m.
1967–68 205 210.3 2.5 212.8
1968–69 205 200.4 6.9 207.3
1969–70 205 205.0 13.2 218.2
The additional items were not included in the aid ceiling for the years in question and no financial ceiling was fixed for them. The aid ceiling was exceeded in 1967–68 due to special payments occasioned by devaluation.

My right hon. Friend will do all he can to ensure that the programmes announced for the years up to 1974–75 are fully spent.