HC Deb 06 March 1972 vol 832 cc1022-3
30. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the latest estimate of British aid to Indonesia for any convenient current period of time.

The Minister for Overseas Development (Mr. Richard Wood)

The latest estimate of disbursements for the present financial year is about £4.5 million.

Mr. Dalyell

What effort is being made to gear British help to that of the Australians?

Mr. Wood

We are in touch with the Australians on the inter-governmental group. There will be a further opportunity later this year to discuss with the Australians what they will do in future.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

Will my right hon. Friend tell us how much of this aid is tied to British products?

Mr. Wood

Most of the programme aid is tied to the purchase of British products from this country.

Mr. Foley

Has the Commonwealth Development Corporation established an office and a programme in Indonesia, and of what dimensions?

Mr. Wood

That is another question, and perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put it down. But the C.D.C. has made its first inquiries about investment in Indonesia. There were certain difficulties at the beginning, as the hon. Gentleman probably knows, but I think they have been overcome and I hope that things are now going forward.