§ Mr. BluntTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is her Department's target for the proportion of GNP which overseas aid will constitute for each year to 2001; and how this target relates to the UN target.[5269]
§ Mr. FoulkesFor the next two years we will be working within existing departmental ceilings. But our commitment to reverse the decline in spending as a proportion of GNP remains. We are reviewing existing expenditure plans and I am confident that the strategies that are now being put in place to focus our assistance more directly on poverty eradication, will demonstrate the case for additional resources thereafter.
§ Mr. BluntTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if it is her policy to achieve an increase in real terms year on year in the overseas aid budget. [5274]
§ Mr. FoulkesWe will work within existing financial ceilings this year and next while putting in place strategies to deliver progress towards the objective of eradicating poverty. As we demonstrate progress, we expect to justify additional resources being made available in line with our Manifesto commitment.