§ 24. Mr. Boscawenasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what help the Government have offered the Government of Nepal in alleviating famine conditions in some areas.
The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. Anthony Boyle)The Nepalese Government have asked Her Majesty's Government for assistance in the preparation of a feasibility study for an airlift, to deliver food-grains to certain hill areas of Nepal where the food shortage is expected to be most acute. The Nepalese Government have also asked Her Majesty's Government for assistance in the operation of the airlift. A feasibility study has now been completed and we are considering urgently in what way we can help with the airlift. I hope to be in a position to give hon. Members further information in the near future.
§ Mr. BoscawenI welcome my hon. Friend's statement. Does he agree that the British people have the warmest respect and regard for the Nepalese and that should the Nepalese Government call for assistance in the remote areas the Government should react as soon as possible and supply whatever food is required by whatever means they can? In so doing, will they seek assistance from the Indian Government and ensure that there is no delay in that quarter?
§ Mr. RoyleI am grateful to my hon. Friend for his remarks. The matter was raised with me when I visited Nepal in November. We understand that if an airlift is feasible it will entail a lift of about 1,850 tons, using four Hercules aircraft and one Puma helicopter.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsI thank my hon. Friend for what he has said, but is it not true that this is the most grave famine 937 which Nepal has suffered for some time? Is it not the case that not only food but technical, agricultural and medical assistance and people are required? What plans has my hon. Friend in mind towards that end?
§ Mr. RoyleThe main need is for food-grains. I understand that the total shortfall for the whole country will be about 85,000 metric tonnes. On the question of agricultural and technical help, the Government are already giving aid for agricultural research activities and we are also providing a massive aid programme in the construction of part of the east-west highway in Nepal.