HC Deb 07 August 1975 vol 897 cc401-2W
Mr. Litterick

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the political conditions now being applied to all proposed economic aid to the Government of Portugal; and if such conditions are being applied to all other Governments seeking aid funds from Her Majesty's Government.

Mr. Hattersley

The criterion used in Her Majesty's Government's aid policy is primarily that of need, and the aim is to direct aid mainly to the poorest countries and the poorest sectors within those countries. While Portugal is not one of these and is not currently classified as a developing country, it is our policy to foster the development of democracy in Portugal and our programme of technical assistance and any European Community aid to Portugal is to be seen in that context.