IN reply to Maurice Vassie’s letter of November 27, this is the first time I have heard the word loan in connection with foreign aid.

Mr Cameron, in his many speeches and the media has never used this term. I am sure that if loans were the case, Mr Cameron would have mentioned it, if only to make the electorate think they may get money back.

What further puzzles me is, if a bank or building society lend money the credit rating of the applicant concerned is taken into account.

In his letter, Mr Vassie refers to “countries in economic difficulties” so their credit rating must be rock bottom and the chances of any repayments with interest would be remote, even if the countries concerned had any intention of any pay back at all.

In my annual tax summary 2013-14 I see that I give more in overseas aid (not loan) than I give as my contribution to the EU Budget. Therefore will Mr Vassie let me know when my refund plus interest from overseas will be in the post.

I said in my letter of November 22 that charity should begin at home and with our infrastructure falling apart and our National Health Service short of money, I rest my case.

A P Cox, Heath Close, Holgate, York.