HC Deb 02 February 1967 vol 740 cc743-4
5. Dame Joan Vickers

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what money has been given to Tonga to help with the rebuilding of the general hospital and other projects since December, 1966.

Mr. Bottomley

None so far this year. A request for £219,600 for the new hospital was received early in January and is now being considered.

Dame Joan Vickers

There was a slight misprint in the Question. The year should have been 1965 and not 1966. What did the right hon. Gentleman's representative report to him with regard to education, particularly the teachers' training college and the printing press? Will he help with either?

Mr. Bottomley

The report is being considered and in due course I hope to be able to give the hon. Lady a satisfactory reply.

Mr. Mikardo

Will my right hon. Friend seek the co-operation of the Secretary of State for Defence in order to ensure that the £800,000-odd a year which we are now spending on building military airfields in Siam is spent instead on building a hospital in Tonga so as to save life rather than destroy it?

Mr. Bottomley

I am sure that my hon. Friend's supplementary question will be noted by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence.