To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the Government expenditure was on (a) international development and (b) combating AIDS in developing countries in (i) 1996-97 and (ii) 2005-06; and what the percentage change was in real terms in each figure over that period. (106388)

Total UK gross public expenditure on development was £6,612 million in 2005-06 compared to £2,415 million in 1996-97. This represents a rise of 121 per cent. in real terms. The methodology for calculating AIDS expenditure is currently under review and expenditure figures will be announced shortly.