HC Deb 30 November 1965 vol 721 cc1206-7
4. Mrs. Shirley Williams

asked the Minister of Overseas Development, what contribution Great Britain will make to Pakistan's third Five Year Plan.

Mrs. Castle

I am not in a position to announce what aid Britain will offer during Pakistan's third Five Year Plan. This plan covers the years 1965 to 1970, but I understand the Pakistan Government are now reappraising it. As a first instalment, the British Government announced on 23rd September the offer of a loan of £4 million for non-project aid to assist the Pakistan development programme during the first year of the plan.

Mrs. Williams

While thanking my right hon. Friend for her information about the first instalment, may I ask her for an assurance that there will be no question of Her Majesty's Government cutting off aid to Pakistan in view of the efforts now being made for a cease-fire and a friendly settlement in Kashmir?

Mrs. Castle

I can give that assurance.