HC Deb 25 January 1971 vol 810 cc29-31
31. Mr. Prentice

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on aid now being given to East Pakistan to help with the rehabilitation of those areas which suffered from the recent floods.

Mr. Wood

During his visit to Pakistan earlier this month, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said that the British Government would contribute £2 million to the World Bank Reconstruction Programme for the coastal areas of East Pakistan. Because the extent of the disaster there was unprecedented, and called for wholly exceptional measures of relief and assistance, we had already provided £530,000 for disaster relief. We are also providing £500,000 for the purchase of wheat for East Pakistan.

Mr. Prentice

While welcoming that reply, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he can tell the House to what extent he has been in touch with other aid partners of the World Bank, since the Pakistan Cabinet drew up their plans for the reconstruction of the Delta at the end of November, and will he say whether he is satisfied that the total flow of aid will be sufficient to cope with the tremendous problem?

Mr. Wood

There has been discussion with our partners in the World Bank, both on the immediate reconstruction programme and on the longer-term action programme which will stretch over the next few years.

Sir R. Thompson

Will my right hon. Friend accept that his answer will give great satisfaction to those of us who recognise, for historical and sentimental reasons, how much this country owes to the jute industry of East Bengal, and will he also accept that we are grateful to him for having contributed funds on this scale to help in this unparalleled disaster?

Mr. Wood

I am grateful to my hon. Friend.

Mrs. Hart

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what consideration he is giving to our bilateral aid programme? Is he proposing to send a team from his Department to consider steps which can be taken under the bilateral programme? Will he also say whether he is completely satisfied with the present High Commission staffing in Pakistan on aid questions?

Mr. Wood

I will certainly look into the matters which the right hon. Lady mentions. As to the pledging for the next year, this will be done, as she will be well aware, within the next few months. We shall then see whether our present level of bilateral aid is adequate.