HC Deb 30 June 1975 vol 894 cc1014-5
54. Mr. Ashley

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what plans he has to pay official visits to overseas countries.

52. Mr. Whitehead

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what plans he has to pay official visits to overseas countries.

Mr. John Grant

My right hon. Friend is attending the Development Assistance Committee of the OECD today. He has at present no firm plans for official visits to overseas countries.

Mr. Ashley

Is my hon. Friend aware that his right hon. Friend the Secretary R of State has a fine record for helping underdeveloped countries, but that there is a national tendency for all Governments to cut overseas aid in times of economic crisis? Will my hon. Friend do what he can to ensure that underdeveloped countries do not become a major casualty because of cuts that may be announced at any time now?

Mr. Grant

I am sure that the Secretary of State has an excellent record in this matter, but I think my hon. Friend probably meant the Minister for Overseas Development. I assure my hon. Friend that should this sort of situation arise—we hope it will not—both my right hon. Friend and I will do all that we can to fulfil the kind of policies that he wants to see carried out.

Mr. Grylls

Will the hon. Gentleman press his right hon. Friend the Minister to pay a visit to Palestinian refugee camps in the Middle East and then persuade his European colleagues to increase the amount of European aid to help these poor people, who are in a terrible plight, as we all know?

Mr. Grant

I shall draw my right hon. Friend's attention to what the hon. Gentleman said. I hope shortly to visit not these camps but the headquarters of the United Nations Refugee Organisation.