PMQT Written Answers – 26 April 1991

Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 26th April 1991.

PRIME MINISTER:

Overseas Aid

Mr. Peter Bottomley : To ask the Prime Minister how much extra would be needed each year for the United Kingdom to meet its United Nations target on overseas aid over the next five years.

The Prime Minister : Under the public expenditure survey system, plans for expenditure on the aid programme have only been made up to 1993-94. Forecasts for nominal gross national product are available only to 1994-95. However, on present trends, to reach the United Nations target of 0.7 per cent. of GNP spent on official development assistance would require a total aid programme of some £5.2 billion in 1995-96, £3.3 billion greater than the presently planned aid programme for 1993-94.

Press and Public Relations Staff

Mr. Dobson : To ask the Prime Minister if he will give for each year from 1979-80, including 1991-92, the number of staff actually employed on 1 April and the full complement of staff, including vacant posts in the press and public relations office of the Prime Minister’s Office.

The Prime Minister : Seven people including support staff were employed in 10 Downing Street on 1 April 1991 on press and public relations activities. There is one vacant post at present. Detailed figures were not recorded separately prior to 1987-88; since then the total staff complement has remained at eight. The complement for 1991-92 is eight.