§ 11. Mr. R. Thompsonasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what information he has about progress made with the construction of irrigation systems by a consortium of the World Bank under the Indus Waters Agreement; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TilneyThe Pakistan Government are responsible for these works, subject to the supervision of the International Bank. The Bank keeps contributing Governments informed of the progress made. It has reported that a 640 substantial proportion of the contracts have been let and that preparatory work is in hand.
§ Mr. ThompsonWill my hon. Friend use his influence to try to expedite progress in this work, in view of the unhappy situation in the sub-continent, in order to meet the urgent defence needs of India and the justifiable apprehensions of Pakistan? Does not he agree that on this technical basis there is a possibility for co-operation, and that we ought to do our utmost to build on the agreement made a few years ago?
§ Mr. TilneyI think that we are doing that. The latest report covers the period from 1st January to 31st June, 1962. Satisfactory progress seems to have been made during the period, and I have no reason to suppose that it is not being continued.