§ 10. Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations if he will make a statement on the discussions in which he has been participating regarding a British contribution to a settlement of the problem of the Indus waters.
§ Mr. AlportI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave him on 18th June. Since then representatives of the International Bank and of the Governments of India and Pakistan have held discussions, which still continue, directed to the negotiation of a treaty. The International Bank has made proposals to Her Majesty's Government and to other friendly Governments for 568 a scheme for the financing of the settlement which it is hoped will be reached and these proposals are under consideration.
§ Mr. ThomsonDoes the Minister agree that, in the light of the unfortunate international relationship which is now developing between India and China, the much better relations between India and Pakistan are one of the most hopeful features in this area? Can he assure us that Her Majesty's Government will do everything they can, financially, to make sure that the scheme for the Indus waters goes ahead as quickly as possible?
§ Mr. AlportAll friends of India and Pakistan will welcome the great improvement that has taken place in the relations between the two countries. As friends of both countries, so far as we are able to help in any way we will certainly do so.