§ Mr. Brocklebank-Fowlerasked the Lord Privy Seal what is his estimate of the percentage cut in bilateral official development assistance for the years 1980–81 and 1981–82 as compared with disbursements in 1979–80.
§ Mr. Neil MartenIt is not the practice to publish forward planning figures for individual elements of the aid programme, because such figures are based on intentions and assumptions which may not be realised. Because of the pressure of multilateral aid commitments, however, the share of bliateral aid is expected to fall.
§ Mr. Brocklebank-Fowlerasked the Lord Privy Seal what were the disbursements of bilateral official development assistance for the financial year 1979–80 ; what are the latest estimates for bilateral official development assistance for the financial years 1980–81 and 1981–82 ; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Neil MartenFinal expenditure figures for the financial year 1979–80 will not be available for some months. The preliminary estimate for bilateral aid expenditure in 1979–80 is £586 million. Forecast of expenditure in 1980–81 and 1981–82 cannot be given, for the reasons set out in my reply today to my hon. Friend's question about the percentage reduction in bilateral aid expenditure.