29. Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what medical and welfare assistance Her Majesty's Government are giving in Vietnam; and if he will extend this assistance.
§ The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Walter Padley)A British paediatric team of about ten members will arrive shortly in Saigon to work at the Children's Hospital there for a period of five years. Her Majesty's Government have already send 20 mobile anaesthetic machines to Vietnam and are supplying 20 more. In addition we shall be sending equipment to the Children's Hospital where our team will work. We shall consider other opportunities for helping in the medical field as they arise.
Mr. TaylorWhile thanking the Minister for that encouraging Answer, may I ask him whether he does not agree that it was unfortunate—when an international welfare organisation provides beds in Europe for child victims of this war and appeals for air transport help—that, according to a letter sent to me last week, it was left to a private airline to provide help? If beds for treatment are available in Europe for child victims, may we have an assurance that the Government will provide air transport?
§ Mr. PadleyNo request was made to the British Government for assistance. Needless to say we should consider any requests made. It is true that a request was made to the American Government, but in the light of the correspondence between the hon. Member and myself, 1022 I hope that he realises that the Americans have made very substantial contributions to the relief of suffering and to medical aid in Vietnam.
§ Mr. RankinWill my hon. Friend assure us that the team which has gone to Saigon will give medical aid to all victims of the Vietnam war whether they come from North or from South Vietnam?
§ Mr. PadleyOf course that is so. It is sited in Saigon and the casualties inflicted on the Vietcong equally with others will receive humanitarian assistance.