§ Sir David Priceasked the Prime Minister whether she will make it her policy that the amount of overseas aid provided by the United Kingdom in 1986–87 is, in real terms, not less than that provided in 1985–86.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Chancellor of the Exchequer's autumn statement to the House on 12 November 1985 at column 431–434 provides for an increased aid provision of £1,187 million in 1986–87; £1,230 million in 1987–88 and £1,270 million in 1988–89, compared with £1,130 million in 1985–86. This will maintain the aid programme in real terms on the basis of the forecast rate of United Kingdom inflation over the public expenditure survey period.
§ Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Prime Minister whether she is satisfied with the co-ordination between the Department of Trade and Industry and the Overseas Development Administration in the provision of overseas aid.
§ The Prime MinisterYes. The Department of Trade and Industry is fully consulted by the Overseas Development Administration in planning expenditure under the aid programme, and in particular our bilateral aid. Interdepartmental machinery also exists to consider applications for support under the aid and trade provision.