§ 40. Mr. Kenneth Lewisasked the Minister for Overseas Development what proportion of overseas aid results in increased trade for British industry as against aid which is provided regardless of direct return to the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. PrenticeIn 1975, 60 per cent. of British bilateral aid was effectively tied to procurement of British goods and services. In accordance with an international understanding, aid given through multilateral organisations—which accounted for 31 per cent. of British aid last year—is not tied. But as a result of our membership of these organisations British firms are eligible to compete for procurement from their funds, and we estimate that in total such procurement is broadly equivalent in value to our contributions.