Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Julie Kirkbride (Conservative). It was answered on Tuesday, 3 November 2009 on behalf of the Treasury.

International Development

Question: If I remember correctly, back in 1997, the Labour Government had the aspiration of 0.7 per cent. of gross national income being spent on overseas development. Why, therefore, is it in the last year of the Labour Government that they are proposing to put that into legislation?

Answer: We will not take any lectures from the Conservatives on overseas aid, given that they slashed the budgets year on year. We have seen sustained improvement in the amount of money going to help some of the poorest countries as a result of the 12 years of this Labour Government; indeed, it is one of the things I am most proud of. We have said that we will meet our interim target of 0.56 per cent. by 2010. We are on track to do that, and we will also, as my right hon. Friend the Member for Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill (Mr. Clarke) clearly pointed out, lead the way in having a climate change deal that will help the poorest countries of the world.

Secondary information