Clause 2 - Development Assistance for UK Overseas Territories
International Development Bill
6:30 pm
Mrs Cheryl Gillan (Chesham and Amersham, Conservative)
I am unsure whether the probing amendment has achieved the effect that I wanted, but I appreciate the spirit in which the Minister has responded. Perhaps there will be another opportunity to raise the interests of the overseas territories. However, the Minister has assured me that they will continue to be a priority for Government aid. I included the Falkland Islands as an example in case they should need aid from us in future—God forbid. As the Minister knows, the islands have a fragile economy. The point I made was a belt and braces measure.
Amendment No. 5 is probing and I am not so curmudgeonly as to press it to a vote. I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.