§ 15. Mr. Goodhewasked the Minister of Overseas Development what sums of money are to be paid to the Governments of Malaysia and Singapore over the next 10 years by way of mitigatory aid, following the Government's recently announced proposals for an advancement of the date for the withdrawal of British troops from those two companies.
§ Mr. PrenticeThis will be a matter for negotiation with the two Governments, taking into account the changed plans for the rundown of the forces in the Far East.
§ Mr. GoodhewIs the right hon. Gentlemen not aware that this whole question of mitigatory aid is a complete nonsense when the money would be better spent on retaining our forces there if they are needed, as they clearly are? Will he not look at this once more to see if mitigatory aid should not be ruled out and positive help given in the way of maintaining forces there to protect Singapore and Malaysia?
§ Mr. PrenticeThis question again goes rather wider than my responsibilities. In relation to the run-down of forces, it has been announced by Her Majesty's Government that we will provide mitigatory aid to both countries, particularly because of the effects on employment in those countries. I hope that this carries the support of most hon. Members.
§ Mr. BraineTo clear up one possible source of misunderstanding, the Prime Minister told us on Tuesday that the aid programme would be held at £205 million for the coming year, which means some reduction in real terms. A little earlier today the right hon. Gentleman told us that mitigatory or compensatory aid to Malaysia and Singapore and food aid under the Kennedy Round would be additional. Can he confirm that those items will be additional to the promised £205 million?
§ Mr. PrenticeYes, Sir. As I said originally, there is a £205 million programme. There are three additional items, one of which is mitigatory aid for Malaysia and Singapore.