§ Mr. Craigenasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contribution Her Majesty's Government will commit to the World Bank special fund for famine areas of Africa; and what factors are to be taken into account over long-term development aid in that region.
§ Mr. RaisonHer Majesty's Government will be represented at a meeting of possible donors which the World Bank has convened in Paris on 31 January. While we strongly support the purposes of the special facility, we are reluctant to see the funds available for bilateral aid diminished by a further multilateral commitment. Among the factors we take into account in deciding on long-term aid to areas affected by famine are development needs, the prospects of using aid effectively, and the importance of working closely with the World Bank and other major donors.