§ 28. Mr. Norman Lamontasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will increase the amount of aid granted to South American countries.
§ Mr. WoodI am at present providing for steadily increasing sums, both for capital aid loans and for technical assistance.
§ Mr. LamontAlthough some of these countries are now developing an industrial base, is it not the case that parts of the continent still have some of the worst illiteracy and some of the lowest per capita incomes in the world, and that in the past they have received a disproportionately small part of British aid? Will the right hon. Gentleman ensure that in future such countries, as well as those countries traditionally associated with Great Britain, receive a growing part of the British aid programme?
§ Mr. WoodIt is because of the recognition of the great needs in South 529 America, and the opportunities for export which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister recently pointed out, that I have given my hon. Friend that answer.
§ Mrs. HartWill the right hon. Gentleman tell us roughly how the new aid provision to Latin America is being distributed? I understand that some is likely to go to Brazil, but is any likely to go to Chile, where enormous steps are being taken to benefit the mass of the people? Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us something about the tremendous debt problems, and the efforts to help that the British Government are likely to make?
§ Mr. WoodWe have programmes in many countries in Latin America some, naturally, larger than others. I shall have to ask the right hon. Lady to put down a detailed question, because I should hate to give her the wrong information, as I may do if I try to answer her without notice.