§ 26. Mr. Nigel EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received about the size of the overseas aid budget in 1996–97. [10007]
§ Mr. HanleyWe always receive a number of representations from hon. Members and the general public and this year is no exception.
§ 33. Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consultations he has had with non-governmental organisations concerned with the use of overseas aid, regarding the consequences of the reduction of the overseas aid budget. [10014]
§ Mr. HanleyMy right hon. and Noble Friend the Minister for Overseas Development and her officials have frequent contact with NGOs on a wide range of policy-related issues, including the size of the aid budget. We have informed the NGO's that the joint funding scheme will be increased in 1996–97 to over £36 million from £34 million this year.
My right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary met chief executives from major NGOs on 23 January.
§ 35. Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what percentage of the total overseas aid budget for the current year is devoted to educational purposes. [10016]
§ Mr. HanleyExpenditure on education from the bilateral aid programme is identifiable only up to 1994–95. In that year a total of £227 million was spent on educational activities, which was 20 per cent. of the total bilateral aid expenditure.