Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions his Department has had with (a) NATO, (b) the OECD and (c) the UN on the definition of (i) defence expenditure and (ii) official development expenditure; and if he will make a statement.

The Treasury has not had any recent discussions with NATO, the OECD or the UN on the definition of Defence expenditure. NATO publishes its own definition of Defence Expenditure and the UK categorises defence spending fully in accordance with these guidelines.

The OECD’s Development Assistance Committee is responsible for the definition of official development assistance (ODA) and produces guidance on detailed aspects of this. The UK is a member of the Development Assistance Committee and UK officials attend regular technical meetings.