HC Deb 16 May 1977 vol 932 cc7-8W
Mr. Park

asked the Minister for Overseas Development if consideration has been given to increasing aid for overseas development to the figure indicated in July 1976; and if she will make a statement.

Mrs. Hart

I should certainly like to be able to do more for the developing countries, having regard to the grave implications for them of the reductions in the aid programme in 1977–78 and 1978–79 of which my predecesor told the House on 17th January.—[Vol. 924, c. 23.] We shall of course be re-examining the figures for the aid programme in the next public expenditure review, but I cannot anticipate the outcome.

Mr. William Wilson

asked the Minister for Overseas Development what action she is taking to increase the amount of aid given by Her Majesty's Government for overseas aid; and when she expects the Government promises in July last as to the amount of such aid will be kept.

Mrs. Hart

As I said in the reply I have given to my hon. Friend the Member for Coventry, North-East (Mr. Park) today, I should certainly like to be able to do more for the developing countries, having regard to the grave implications for them of the reductions in the aid programme in 1977–78 and 1978–79 of which my predecessor told the House on 17th January. We shall, of course, be re-examining the figures for the aid programme in the next public expenditure review, but I cannot anticipate the outcome.