International Aid

Lord Lawson of Blaby Excerpts

Monday 29th November 2010 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Verma]

My Lords, in my answer to my noble friend I think I answered what he asked.

[Lord Lawson of Blaby]

My Lords, does my noble friend recognise that although economic development is well intentioned the preponderance of academic studies have demonstrated that in fact it does more harm than good? Will the Government now reconsider allowing overseas development aid to increase substantially at a time when severe cuts are necessary in all other forms of public expenditure?

[Baroness Verma]

My Lords, I cannot agree with my noble friend. Development aid helps millions of people and even though we are going through difficult times ourselves, we will not save money on the backs of poor people.