THE House of Commons Committee for International Development is to become the sixth Westminster body to look at the impact of Scottish independence should a majority of people vote yes in the 2014 referendum.

The committee is due to begin its deliberations in the summer with a visit to Scotland and an invitation to hear evidence from Fiona Hyslop, the Scottish Government's External Affairs Secretary.

The MPs will examine what implications an independent Scotland would have on the UK's aid budget and how a new country could help promote assistance to some of the poorer parts of the world.

In last week's Budget, Chancellor George Osborne committed to meeting Britain's target of spending 0.7% of the UK's GDP on overseas aid in the coming financial year, although low growth means the cash paid out is likely to be lower than expected.

The overseas aid budget for 2015/16 is being protected alongside those for hospitals and schools.

Earlier this year, Humza Yousaf, the SNP Government's External Affairs Minister, said an independent Scotland under a Nationalist government would aim to spend 1% of its GDP on international aid, amounting to £1.5 billion a year.

There have been suggestions that other bodies such as the Commons Treasury, Work and Pensions and Culture committees will also look at the impact of Scottish independence.