Asylum Seekers: Democratic Republic of Congo

Lord Bishop of Exeter Excerpts

Tuesday 17th May 2011 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Browning]

I am very happy to agree to that, and I will ask officials to look specifically at what the noble Earl has suggested.

[The Lord Bishop of Exeter]

My Lords, this is Christian Aid week, and up and down the country large numbers of people are raising funds to alleviate poverty in the most needy parts of the world, including the Democratic Republic of Congo. Is it not unfortunate in this of all weeks that any Minister should suggest a weakening of the commitment in the coalition agreement to enshrine spending 0.7 per cent of national income on overseas development aid? Is the Minister in a position to affirm that that commitment remains intact?

[Baroness Browning]

I am most grateful to the right reverend Prelate, who I am very pleased to say I was able to work with on occasion in another place. I am able to give that guarantee on behalf of the coalition Government. That is the Government’s stated position, and that is the policy we shall pursue.