Written question asked by Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Howell of Guildford (Conservative) on Monday, 26 July 2010.

British Overseas Territories

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government how their plan to cut the funding for British overseas territories by 10 per cent this year will be achieved; which projects will be affected; and which territories will have their funding cut.

Answer: As announced on 29 June 2010 in a Written Ministerial Statement, (Official Report, col. 37WS) by my right honourable the Secretary of State, following a review of all the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's (FCO) programme spend, the Overseas Territories Programme Fund (OTPF) for this financial year (10-11) was cut by 10 per cent as a contribution to reducing public expenditure. The Statement made clear our desire to sustain in future years (resources permitting) the FCO's programme spending in support of the overseas territories. The cuts will be made by reducing the allocations of a number of OTPF programmes. The Overseas Territories Programme Fund is only one way that the FCO contributes towards the good governance, safety and security of the overseas territories. The FCO will continue to provide support in all the areas where reductions have been made.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 1110; 720 c261WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Expenditure Cuts
Tuesday, 29 June 2010
Written statements
House of Lords
Subjects: British overseas territories Finance
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk