§ 27. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what further action has been taken directly and through the United Nations to ensure 1745 economic reconstruction and social rehabilitation in Korea, particularly in the event of an armistice.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydRelief continues to be chiefly the concern of the United Nations Civil Affairs Command in Korea. Reconstruction is going ahead under the 1952–53 United Nations Reconstruction Agency's 70 million dollar programme, to which Her Majesty's Government are contributing £2.8 million. Vehicles, machinery, equipment, fertilisers and grain are being procured and shipped to Korea from a number of countries including the United Kingdom. An armistice would permit wider rehabilitation and reconstruction activities, and these are being studied by the Agency and a special group of consultants.
§ Mr. SorensenIs the Minister satisfied that the necessary financial provision can be made, in view of the possibility of an armistice in Korea, the very great damage that has been done and the very great demand which therefore exists?
§ Mr. LloydI agree that very great damage has been done, but I think we shall derive a great deal of information from the development of the 70 million dollar programme. That is being pushed ahead with all vigour, and after we have reached June of this year I think that we shall have a good deal of practical information upon which we can base our future attitude.
§ Mr. OsborneCould my right hon. and learned Friend say how much money is being put up by Russia and China towards the reconstruction of this devastated area?
§ Mr. A. HendersonIn the event of an armistice, will this reconstruction and rehabilitation programme be extended to North Korea?
§ Mr. LloydThat is a matter about which I should require an opportunity for consideration. My impression is that no territorial limitation has been imposed upon this reconstruction programme.