HC Deb 07 May 1998 vol 311 c463W
Mr. David Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if further budgetary assistance is to be provided to the Government of Montserrat. [41485]

Mr. Foulkes

It will inevitably be some time before the Government of Montserrat return to the pre-1995 position of being able to cover their own running costs. My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for International Development has therefore agreed to provide up to a further £7.085 million which will meet 70% of their running costs for the remainder of 1998. This is in addition to the £1.36 million announced in January and brings the total budgetary aid committed this year up to £8.45 million. I have placed copies of the Budgetary Aid Appraisal document in the Library of the House.