HC Deb 09 August 1966 vol 733 cc1367-8
11. Mr. Hooson

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what is the extent of Great Britain's economic aid to South Vietnam; and what form it takes.

Mr. Greenwood

Our economic aid to South Vietnam in 1965–66 totalled £81,000. We supplied road making equipment, diesel engines and portable anaesthetic machines. We also financed some training, which is the subject of the hon. and learned Member's later question, and three visits and a longer term assignment by medical and educational experts.

We have also just recruited a paediatric team of ten, whose leader, Dr. Philip Evans, arrived in Saigon on 28th July.

Mr. Hooson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the map published by his Ministry called "Aid Overseas" South Vietnam is not shown as a country in receipt of any aid from this country? Why was South Vietnam so omitted? Can he tell the House the form of the training which is part of this aid?

Mr. Greenwood

I am not aware of the map, but I will certainly look into that matter. Without notice, I would not be able to give more information about the type of training received.

Mr. Goodhart

As the Government are very free with the advice given to the South Vietnamese Government, would it not be a little better for the honour of this country if we were more generous with our concrete help?

Mr. Freeson

Will my right hon. Friend do his best to avoid confining aid, when giving help to the people of Vietnam, to those living South of the partition border, and will he seek to give aid, as far as it is possible to do so, to all the people of Vietnam, starting, for example, by sending a medical aid team north of the border as we have sent one to the South?

Mr. Greenwood

South Vietnam is covered by the Colombo Plan.