Aid (Hansard, 14 July 1997)

§ Mr. Malcolm Bruce
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps her Development is taking to increase the level of UK aid spending. [8315]

§ Clare Short
As I have repeatedly made clear and as my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has confirmed the Government are committed to raising the levels of overseas aid. We have also made it clear that we will work within existing financial ceilings this year and next while redirecting our spending towards the objective of eliminating poverty. As we demonstrate progress, I hope additional resources will be made available in line with our manifesto commitment.

§ Mr. Luff
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will set a target date for the United Kingdom to reach the target of 0.7 per cent. of GDP for overseas aid spending. [7837]

§ Clare Short
As I have repeatedly made clear, we are firmly committed to the 0.7 UN aid/GNP target and to reversing the decline in UK aid spending but have not set a target date.