§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will publish in the Official Report those countries at present receiving British aid, indicating how much they received in 1978–79, how much they were previously due to receive in 1979–80; and how much they will now receive following the cuts recently announced for 1979–80, 1980–81 and 1981–82.
§ Mr. Neil MartenStatistics for 1978–79 are not yet available. I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given on 25 May to my hon. Friend the Member for Aldridge-Brownhills (Mr. Shepherd.)[Vol. 967, c.290–92.] The effect of the £50 million reduction in 1979–80 will be determined only after a detailed review of the entire aid programme, and levels of aid for future years will be considered in the course of the next public expenditure review. Most commitments spread over several years. It is not my practice therefore to announce detailed expenditure figures for particular countries in advance.
§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in view of the statement made of the reduction in expenditure on overseas aid, he will indicate which programmes and which recipient countries will be most affected; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Neil MartenThe effect of the reduction in overseas aid on specific allocations will have to be determined after a detailed review of the entire aid programme and priorities within it.