§ 32. Mr. Dempseyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Indian Foreign Minister with a view to increasing the amount of economic aid; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DempseyHas the recent television programme about Mr. Muggeridge in Calcutta been drawn to the Minister's attention? It showed an elderly man lying dying at the roadside and being half eaten by rats, and also showed a boy of five being thrown on the street because his people could no longer keep him. Is that not a blight on the British Commonwealth? Cannot something be done to alleviate this terrible hardship?
§ Mr. WoodI am afraid I missed the television programme, but I am well aware that there is a great problem in India, and that is one of the reasons why one-fifth of our whole aid programme goes to India.
§ Mr. Frank AllaunIs the Minister aware that India has the additional problem of looking after 2 million Pakistani refugees, plus 70,000 a day coming in? If Pakistan is raising objections to aid and supervision, cannot the British Government provide additional aid to India to look after the Pakistanis?
§ Mr. WoodThere was a good deal of discussion about refugees from Pakistan in the debate last Friday, when, I think, the hon. Member was unable to be here, and when I made it quite clear that the United Nations was examining this matter and that we would be willing to join in and make a contribution if the United Nations effort were maintained.