§ 7. Mr. Fisherasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether it is proposed that the United 564 Kingdom Government should give any further assistance to the victims of the recent cyclones in Pakistan.
§ 11. Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what is the latest information he has received from the Government of Pakistan regarding the loss of life and the damage to property caused by the recent cyclones in East Pakistan; and what further help Her Majesty's Government propose to give.
§ Mr. SandysThe loss of life in the two cyclones is estimated at 10,000. A large number of people are homeless; the port equipment of Chittagong was severely damaged; and there was other widespread damage to property. There were also serious losses of cattle. Since these are used for ploughing, this has created a special problem.
As a practical sign of sympathy, Her Majesty's Government have made cash donations amounting to three lakhs of rupees. We have also offered to provide tractors and tents to the value of £50,000. These will be shipped as soon as possible.
The House will be asked in due course to vote the necessary supplementary estimate. In the meantime an advance is being made from the Civil Contingencies Fund.
I am sure that the House will wish to join with me in expressing our sincere sympathy to the people of Pakistan.
§ Mr. FisherI thank my right hon. Friend for the Government's generous reaction to this disaster. Have other Commonwealth countries also made contributions?
§ Mr. ThomsonMay I associate my hon. and right hon. Friends with the Minister's expression of sympathy, and may I congratulate the right hon. Gentleman on having reconsidered this matter and having generously increased the donation of one lakh of rupees which was to have been made by Her Majesty's Government?