§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further steps have been taken following the meeting of European Economic Community Foreign Ministers in Costa Rica last September to provide aid to the countries of Central America; and whether Her Majesty's Government are planning to contribute to such aid programmes.
§ Mr. RaisonSince September 1984 the European Community has approved new aid projects costing some £16 million in Central America from its existing programme of aid to developing countries not associated with the Community. The European Commission is expected to present specific proposals to follow up the commitments made in Costa Rica for consideration by the member states in the near future. Community aid to the region will continue to be financed from the European budget, to which this country makes a substantial contribution.