§ 15. Mr. WillettsTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to set a timetable for reaching the UN target of aid as a percentage of gross domestic product. [18435]
§ Mr. FoulkesWhile we are firmly committed to reversing the decline in the development assistance budget of the last 18 years and to moving towards the 0.7 per cent. UN target, usually expressed a percentage of GNP, rather than GDP, we will not set a timetable for doing so.
§ 22. Mr. BradyTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she has received regarding the UN target for overseas aid as a percentage of gross domestic product. [18443]
§ Clare ShortSince 1 May, we have received numerous representations about this target, which is normally expressed as a percentage of GNP, from a wide range of Parliamentarians, NGOs and members of the public, most of whom have welcomed our firm commitment to reverse the decline in spending of the last 18 years and to move towards the 0.7 per cent. target.
§ 26. Mr. Peter BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development when United Kingdom official aid will exceed 0.35 per cent. of national income. [18448]
§ Clare ShortWe are committed to reversing the decline in the development assistance budget and to the UN target of 0.7 per cent. of GNP. But we have not set a timetable for achieving the target. We have undertaken to work within existing financial ceilings this year and next, while conducting a comprehensive expenditure review to ensure that all our resources are used as effectively as possible in support of the poverty eradication targets. Having done so, we can justify increasing the development assistance budget from 1999–2000.