§ 11. Mr. A. Robertsasked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations what representations have been made to the United Kingdom Government by the Government of Pakistan for financial assistance to overcome their economic difficulties.
§ Mr. R. ThompsonMr. Shoaib, the Pakistan Minister of Finance, discussed with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the question of future United Kingdom financial assistance for Pakistan during his recent visit to London. My right hon. Friend undertook to examine the matter and this is now being done.
§ Mr. RobertsDoes the hon. Member realise the importance of the economic stability of both Pakistan and India? As the unification of this part of the world might produce a favourable outlook towards the Western part of Europe, may I take it that the generosity shown to Pakistan will be equal to that which is being shown to her neighbour?
§ Mr. ThompsonI am obliged to the hon. Member. We should not lose sight of that fact. As I have just returned from a visit to Pakistan, those considerations will be in my mind.
§ Mr. F. M. BennettWill not my hon. Friend agree that this is a particularly appropriate time for seeing what else we can do to help Pakistan, in view of the fact that it has now managed to achieve a creditable degree of political stability, which provides a sure foundation for wide investment in that country?
§ Mr. ThompsonYes.