Abstract: A fuel pumping apparatus comprises a pump barrel which defines a bore accommodating a reciprocable plunger. The housing part is provided which is held in sealing engagement with the barrel and in which there is formed a first passage through which fuel flows from the pumping chamber defined in part by the bore, to an outlet and a second passage formed in the housing part and through which fuel can be spilled from the pumping chamber under the control of a valve means including a valve member slidable within a bore. No ports or grooves are formed on the pumping plunger at its end which defines a wall of the pumping chamber.