HC Deb 19 July 1976 vol 915 cc1279-80
35. Mr. James Johnson

asked the Minister for Overseas Development if he will make a statement concerning aid in British medical equipment and expertise to Latin America; and whether this conforms with the recent white Paper "The Changing Emphasis in British Aid Policies—More Help for the Poorest".

Mr. Judd

There are three such capital aid projects now in course of implementation, in Colombia, Nicaragua and Peru. I am providing further details of these and of technical co-operation in the Official Report. All schemes approved by the present Administration conform with the White Paper policy.

Mr. Johnson

Who advices my hon. Friend, apart from the usual departmental advisers? Is there a panel of outside personnel qualified in the industry which is making this sort of equipment?

Mr. Judd

I can assure my hon. Friend that the most highly qualified and expert advice is available within the Department and that we draw on this freely. But in coming to our conclusions we take account of a wide variety of considerations.

Following are the details:

Colombia: Medical equipment loan 1973. £4 million is provided for medical equipment for up to 70 hospitals and the National Laboratory of Health. Nicaragua: Hospital equipment loan 1974. This £,000 loan is for hospital equipment for two hospitals constructed after the 1972 earthquake. Peru: Health vehicles loan 1976. £3 million for the purchase of vehicles and ambulances for use in the rural areas of Peru. Technical Assistance and Training: An expert in Chagas disease, a disease associated with poverty and overcrowding, is working in the University of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). There are now 77 persons from Latin America training under ODM auspices in the medical field and two in the para-medical field.