HC Deb 04 April 1979 vol 965 c747W
Mr. Spearing

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what estimated expenditure will arise over the next four years from forward commitments made in the aid programme during the last financial year; and what is the total estimated allocation of funds to the aid programme over the same four year period.

Mrs. Hart

I estimate that firm bilateral commitments outstanding at the end of the last financial year were approximately £800 million. I expect that most, but not necessarily all, of this sum will be spent over the period of the next four years. It is not possible to give a firm figure for our multilateral obligations as these are assessed each year as a proportion of the estimated requirements of the international organisations concerned, on the basis of a general commitment. The total estimated allocation of aid funds in the same four-year period is just over £4,300 million. The proportion of bilateral aid in recent years has ranged between 60 and 70 per cent. of the total aid programme and I expect this proportion to continue.