asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will give details of where the cuts in the aid programme for 1979–80 are being made, in both multilateral and bilateral fields; and what statements he has made to multilateral agencies and Governments of recipient countries concerning commitments for 1980–81.

The £50 million reduction has meant the deferment or curtailment of some expenditure, both multilateral and bilateral, planned for 1979–80. It is not the practice to publish details of planned expenditure, other than those shown in Supply Estimates. Where necessary, talks are taking place with recipient Governments and agencies about rephasing planned expenditure. The aid programme for 1980–81 has not yet been determined.