§ 31. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what aid the British Government will give to the rehabilitation, recovery and rebuilding of North Vietnam, Saigon and the areas of South Vietnam governed by the National Liberation Front; and if he will ask the British Council to consider bringing graduate students to Great Britain from each of these three areas for training in science.
§ Mr. WoodWe have said that we are willing to take part in any general international aid effort which is mounted for reconstruction in Indo-China, and we have already provided more than £100,000 for immediate relief aid. As a part of our bilateral aid programmes for South Vietnam, we provide training in Britain in science and other disciplines.
We could not consider any bilateral aid for North Vietnam before we have recognised the Hanoi Government. The Provisional Revolutionary Government in South Vietnam fulfils none of our criteria for recognition.
§ Mr. AllaunIs the Minister aware that last month a group of scientists from the Democratic Republic of Vietnam visited British firms making medical and scientific equipment? Will the Minister consider granting credit facilities for such sales?
§ Mr. WoodAs the hon. Gentleman knows, our official aid is provided on a Government-to-Government basis. Therefore, it is provided to Governments which 1482 we recognise. We have not recognised the Government which the hon. Gentleman mentioned. If we received requests from a recognised Government for the kind of help that he suggests we should consider them seriously.