§ 30. Mr. Juddasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on the Government's future aid programme to India.
§ The Minister for Overseas Development (Mr. Richard Wood)I cannot add at present to the reply I gave on 21st June to a Question from the right hon. Member for Lanark (Mrs. Hart).—[Vol. 819, c. 986–87.]
§ Mr. JuddWould not the right hon. Gentleman agree that aid is of little use without greater opportunities for trade? If he agrees on that, would he not also agree that there is room for grave concern at the latest developments in economic relationships between India and Britain and the possible implications for the Indian economy of our entry into the E.E.C.? Would he assure us that there is no question of our being asked to vote 27 on entry before we have the firmest possible assurances about how Indian economic interests are to be assured?
§ Mr. WoodI cannot give that assurance, because my responsibilities are for aid to India and other countries. The responsibility for trade matters rests with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. Questions about the trade agreements, tariffs, and quotas for textiles should be directed to my right hon. Friend.