HC Deb 20 July 1977 vol 935 cc576-7W
Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Minister of Overseas Development if she will make a statement on her visit to Delhi, and in particular on the increase in the United Kingdom aid programme.

Mrs. Hart

The recently announced increase in the United Kingdom aid programme to India is a reflection of the policy set out in the 1975 White Paper (Cmnd. 6270) of increasing our aid to the poorest countries. My visit to Delhi was intended, in co—operation with the Government of India, to improve the recent disbursement record of our aid and to increase the proportion of large capital projects in our programme through grater forward planning on both sides. In both respects the outcome of my discussions was most encouraging.