HC Deb 28 February 1973 vol 851 cc1498-9
33. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what aid is being given in the current year to the New Hebrides.

Mr. Wood

British aid to the New Hebrides in the present financial year will be about £2.3 millions.

Mr. Dalyell

What measures are we taking to offer technical help to the Pacific Islands to alleviate the effects of pollution as a result of the French nuclear tests?

Mr. Wood

Whatever explosions do or do not take place in the Pacific Ocean, there will be a considerable need by islands like the New Hebrides for aid of all kinds, which is what we are trying to provide.

Mr. Frederick Lee

Is it the case that when we increase aid to the New Hebrides the French do the same in proportion?

Mr. Wood

I do not have the details of the aid given by the French but I believe that it is considerable.

Sir F. Bennett

We all deplore the French tests that took place, but is there any evidence that pollution has affected the economy of any of these islands?

Mr. Wood

I cannot give that information in aswer to this Question, which is about aid for the present year to the New Hebrides.

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