The survey of 98 MPs carried out by the charity ActionAid found 99% backing for the view that rich countries have a responsibility to assist poorer nations.

Almost two-thirds of the MPs polled said they were personally interested in aid, development and Third World issues.

Stronger role for Short

Charity calls for more influence for Clare Short

The charity is seizing on the results to demand that the International Development Secretary, Clare Short, is allocated a place on the Cabinet Committee for Defence and Overseas Policy.

ActionAid is also pressing the Government to commit itself to introducing a new International Development Act within the lifetime of this Parliament, to ensure future development policy remains focused on eradicating poverty.

ActionAid claims the Government has failed to allocate parliamentary time to a debate on its international development White Paper released last December, despite the importance many MPs attach to the issue.