§ 24. Mr. Prenticeasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make a further statement on economic aid for India; and what position has been reached in the discussions on this subject by the consortium of powers providing this aid.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe question of the possibility of further economic aid for India is under discussion, and the Consortium of donor countries will meet again in Paris on 4th June. The House will be well aware of the heavy commitments we in this country have already undertaken in respect of both military and civil aid for India.
§ Mr. PrenticeWill the right hon. Gentleman confirm or deny—I hope he will deny—reports which have appeared in the Press during the past few days that we intend to reduce the economic aid because of the increased military aid?
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder The form of that question is a little out of order. One may not ask a Minister to confirm or deny reports in the Press for which the Minister is not responsible. Perhaps the hon. Member can turn the question round in some way.
§ Mr. PrenticeI apologise, Mr. Speaker. Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is the Government's intention 624 to increase or decrease economic aid to India? Does he agree that in the present situation it is urgent to increase economic aid, nor least for strategic reasons?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI cannot go further about economic aid than my main Answer, which includes the statement that the members of the Consortium are meeting on 4th June.
§ Mr. CallaghanDoes not the right hon. Gentleman realise that it would be regarded as extremely unsatisfactory if the Government said that they must do a bargain with India, and that, because we have supplied increased military aid, we shall have to decrease the amount of economic aid? Is he aware that if he takes that view Members on both sides of the House will find themselves in disagreement with the Government?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe hon. Member's question consists of two hypotheses. I feel no necessity to comment on either of them.