§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will explain the reasons behind the proposed reduction in aid for developing countries from 1993–94 to 1995–96.
§ Mr. Lennox-Boyd[holding answer 18 November 1992]: The future levels of the aid programme have been considered, along with other public expenditure programmes, during the public expenditure survey. The public expenditure survey allows for a detailed consideration of all public expenditure priorities against the available resources. The results of this year's survey, announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 12 November, reflect the Government's firm commitment to a continuing substantial aid programme for developing countries. The aid programme to developing countries is planned to increase from 1992–93 to 1993–94 by 1 per cent. in real terms to £1,900 million and to be maintained at that level in cash in 1994–95 and 1995–96.