HC Deb 26 February 1992 vol 204 cc521-2W
Mr. Thurnham

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been the increase since 1979 in Britain's contribution to the European Community's aid programmes.

Mrs. Chalker

In 1979, our contribution was £118 million, while in 1990, which is the latest year for which we have final figures, it was £333 million. That is an increase of over 180 per cent. in cash terms, or over 25 per cent. In real terms. The European Community is an increasingly important channel for our aid. We are devoting considerable time and attention to ensuring that the quality of this aid increases in line with the quantities involved.