Paraguay (Hansard, 14 November 1977)

§ 42. Mr. Whitehead
asked the Minister of Overseas Development what sums remain outstanding of the 1971 loan to the Government of Paraguay.

§ Mr. Tomlinson
None, Sir.

§ Mr. Whitehead
In retrospect, and bearing in mind the nature of the régime and the fact that it is reported in Paraguay that many critics of the national electric power network project for which that money was advanced in 1971 have been arrested, will the Government now say that no similar projects will be entertained in the future as long as the present régime in Paraguay remains?

§ Mr. Tomlinson
No projects are anticipated at present. As in all other areas in the world, human rights considerations are seriously taken into account in any decisions that are made in relation to the aid budget.

§ Mr. Rifkind
Can the Minister confirm today's report that the Government have withdrawn the £19 million loan to Bolivia because of representations by the NUM about human rights in that country? Can the Minister indicate—

§ Mr. Speaker
Order. This Question is about Paraguay. The hon. Member should put his question on the Order Paper.