Famine Relief (Aircraft Landing Charges)

HC Deb 22 July 1974 vol 877 cc1039-40

47. Mr. Christopher Price

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what is the policy of her Department in respect of landing charges on military aircraft flying trucks and medical supplies to famine-stricken countries.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Overseas Development (Mr. William Price)

The Governments of famine-stricken countries are expected to waive all landing charges in respect of British military aircraft which carry relief supplies, and wherever possible they are asked formally to declare their intention to do so before airlifting of any supplies takes place.

Mr. Christopher Price

The hon. Gentleman says that they are expected to do so. Have they, in fact, done so? Will the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that no Government to which famine supplies are being shipped are trying to make a profit by imposing landing charges on those supplies?

Mr. William Price

I can certainly give that assurance. One of our problems is that of having to deal with journalists who go to disaster areas to write critical stories from the security of the most expensive hotel. That is what happened in Ethiopia. We have paid no landing charges at all on any military aircraft carrying supplies, and we have no intention of doing so.

Mr. Churchill

Is not the direct flying in of medical and food assistance to areas stricken by famine the most effective form of aid that the United Kingdom is in a position to give? In that case, is the Minister satisfied with the situation in which the greater part of our aid to any country goes to India—a country that has embarked not only on a nuclear programme for military purposes but, indeed, if recent Press reports are to be credited, on a major rocket programme?

Mr. William Price

That is a separate question. On the first part of the supplementary question, wherever we see starving children we shall attempt to bring them whatever help we can regardless of the internal politics of any country, whether it is Left or Right, military or non-military. We think that is our first responsibility.