§ 21. Mr. E. Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what financial assistance is now being given by this country to Jordan.
§ Mr. NuttingProvision has been made for Jordan to receive during the financial year 1954–55, approximately £10 million, not including the interest-free loan of £1,600,000 for economic development, of which the House was informed on 16th November, 1953.
The figure of £10 million comprises the Arab Legion subsidy of £7,500,000, expenditure on Army Votes towards the maintenance of certain Arab Legion units which are not required for the normal role of the Jordanian forces amounting to nearly £1½ million, a special subsidy of £750,000 to cover Jordan's budgetary deficit, and £200,000 paid annually towards the pensions of ex-Palestinian officials now resident in Jordan.
§ Mr. FletcherWould the Minister say whether he is satisfied that, by reason of this and other financial assistance, the Government of Jordan are taking adequate steps to absorb into the country's economy a sufficient number of Palestinian refugees in Jordan?
§ Mr. NuttingAs I think the hon. Gentleman knows, this money is not given for the purpose of dealing with Palestinian refugees. They can be dealt with by the U.N.W.R.A. budget under the United Nations, to which Her Majesty's Government also contribute.