HC Deb 29 February 1968 vol 759 cc1747-8
25. Mr. Goodhart

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what assistance has been sent to Vietnam by his Department since the escalation of the fighting.

Mr. Prentice

As the list of supplies and equipment is rather long, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. One additional nurse joined the medical team in Saigon on 21st February.

Mr. Goodhart

I would thank the Minister for his personal interest in Vietnam. Will he remember that both West Germany and Japan are doing ten times as much as we are to relieve civilian suffering in South Vietnam? Will he press his colleagues to let him be more generous?

Mr. Prentice

The emergency aid which we are giving is gratefully appreciated in South Vietnam, and our supplies were among the earliest to reach Saigon. We are doing something of value here. In reply to a later Question. I will give details of our future intentions.

Mr. Elystan Morgan

Has an adequate amount of aid been sent to North Vietnam? Would my right hon. Friend not agree that this would be coincident with our position as co-Chairman of the Geneva Conference and conducive to the cause of peace?

Mr. Prentice

We normally respond to requests for aid from countries concerned. We have had no such request from North Vietnam, but if one were received we should, of course, consider it.

Following is the information:

Details of Medical Supplies and Equipment supplied to South Vietnam In February, 1968.

Vaccines

Blood plasma

200 bottles 400 c.c. blood plasma and suitable quantities of dextrose in water and distilled water.

Antibiotics

Other items