asked the Minister of Overseas Development why the EEC Commission has paid over only one-fifth of the aid provided to developing countries under the 1975 Lomé Convention; what is being done to remedy the situation; what has been each member State's contribution so far, as a percentage of its gross national product; and what will be each member State's contribution as a percentage of its gross national product when the whole £1,700 million worth of aid is finally given.

The aid provisions of the Convention came into force at 1 April 1976. From then until 31 August 1978 some 1,380 mua—about £930 million—or 44 per cent. of the fourth European development fund—EDF—was committed, of which some 390 mua—about £260 million—was spent. This rate is disappointing, but I hope it will now improve. In the negotiations for a new Convention which are now taking place, the need for improved procedures is very much on the agenda, and we support this. It is of course also important that any changes should not increase the risk of the fund financing projects of doubtful development value.Community member States' contributions due to the fourth EDF up to the end of 1978 were as follows:

Belgium	36·875 mua	(£24·706 million)
Denmark	14·160 mua	(£9·487 million)
Germany	153·105 mua	(£102·580 million)
France	153·105 mua	(£102·580 million)
Ireland	3·540 mua	(£2·372 million)
Italy	70·800 mua	(£47·436 million)
Luxembourg	1·180 mua	(£0·795 million)
Netherlands	46·905 mua	(£31·426 million)
Great Britain	110·350 mua	(£73·921 million)
Total	590·000 mua	(£395·303 million)

Member State's total contributions to the EDF will be as follows:

Belgium	196·875 mua	(£131·906 million)
Denmark	75·600 mua	(£50·652 million)
Germany	817·425 mua	(£547·674 million)
France	817·425 mua	(£547·674 million)
Ireland	18·900 mua	(£12·663 million)
Italy	378·000 mua	(£253·260 million)
Luxembourg	6·300 mua	(£4·221 million)
Netherlands	250·425 mua	(£167·784 million)
Great Britain	589·050 mua	(£394·663 million)
Total	3,150·000 mua	(£2,111 million)

Contributions to the EDF in 1976 and 1977—the last two years for which figures are available—as percentages of GNP were—

	1976	1977
Belgium	0·016	0·028
Denmark	0·011	0·021
France	0·013	0·025
Germany	0·013	0·016
Ireland	0·016	*
Italy	Nil	0·032
Luxembourg	0·013	*
Netherlands	0·015	0·027
United Kingdom	0·014	0·028
* Figure not yet available.

GNP figures for future years are not known.