§ 16. Ann McKechinTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make a statement on the comprehensive spending review with regard to a timetable to reach the 0.7 per cent. of gross national income target for development aid by 2008. [179138]
§ John HealeyWe remain committed to reaching the 0.7 per cent. target as demonstrated by our record on aid spending since 1997. This induces the largest ever increase of UK development assistance to nearly £5 billion by 2005–06.
We will announce in the 2004 Spending Review what we will do up to 2007–08, but at this stage I cannot preempt the final announcement.
§ 18. Mr. LazarowiczTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make a statement on the comprehensive spending review with regard to the timetable to reach the overseas development assistance target of 0.7 per cent. of gross national income by 2008. [179140]
§ John HealeyI refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow, Maryhill, (Ann McKenchin) earlier today.