§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much money has now been lent to the Republic of Vietnam, and on what terms; what is the latest loan and its conditions; and for what purposes it has been lent.
§ Mr. WoodAn agreement for a loan of £1 million, free of interest and repayable over 25 years with a 7-year grace period for repayment of capital, was signed with the Government of the Republic of Vietnam on 21st December 1972. It is to be used for the procurement of British goods and services for development projects to be agreed between the two Governments, and is the first such loan to Vietnam. The first project will provide materials for a 15 kilovolt electricity distribution network in Dinh Tuong Province, about 35 miles south-west of Saigon. Further projects are expected to be in the electricity or water supply sectors.
§ Mr. Hugh Jenkinsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth 142W Affairs how much aid Her Majesty's Government have given to Vietnam, and what proportion to the area controlled by the Hanoi Government; and if he will see that future aid is given pro rata to the population of the country.
§ Mr. WoodBefore the project loan which I have mentioned in my reply today to my hon. Friend, the Member for Chigwell (Mr. Biggs-Davison), British aid to Vietnam has largely been devoted to a number of relief and rehabilitation projects. These include a paediatric team in Saigon, the construction at a cost of £500,000 of two primary schools destroyed in the 1968 Tet offensive, and emergency relief supplies worth £10,000. We have since begun a regular technical assistance programme, which includes training in the United Kingdom and projects in English language teaching, medical assistance, technical education and agriculture.
No governmental aid has been given to North Vietnam. In the event of a peace settlement in Vietnam, I shall want to consider the role of Britain in any international reconstruction programme.
§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what official discussions he has had with the United States Government about the terms of the draft peace agreement between the United States of America and North Vietnam;
(2) what consultations he has had with the United States of America about the continued bombing of North Vietnam.
§ Mr. Molloyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his latest discussions with the United States Government regarding Vietnam.
§ Mr. Anthony RoyleOur communications with the United States Government are confidential.
§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what approach he has made to the Foreign Minister of the USSR, in his capacity as co-Chairman of the Geneva Conference, concerning the difficulties which are holding up the conclusion of a peace agreement between the USA and North Vietnam.
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§ Mr. Anthony RoyleAs the House will be aware, my right hon. Friend has made repeated approaches to the Soviet co-Chairman in the past. However, as my right hon. Friend told the House on 14th November, we are satisfied that at the present time direct contacts between the parties are the best way of making progress.—[Vol. 846, c. 109W.]