HC Deb 31 October 1996 vol 284 cc217-8W
Mr. Wigley

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the latest estimate of the proportion of GNP of the United Kingdom which will be directed to overseas aid during the current financial year; and what is the Government's medium-term target for this figure. [133]

Dr. Liam Fox

International comparisons of overseas aid figures are normally presented in relation to gross national product on a calendar year basis. In 1995, the latest year for which figures are available, UK net official development assistance was 0.28 per cent. of GNP. The figure for 1996 will be published in June 1997.

No ODA/GNP targets have been set for the future since, as with other areas of Government expenditure. the level of spending on development assistance is dependent on our economic circumstances and other public expenditure priorities. At £2,154 million in 1996297, the UK development assistance programme is substantial and makes a significant contribution to tackling the problems facing the developing world.

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