HC Deb 25 April 1984 vol 58 cc721-2
11. Mr. Robert Banks

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps are being taken to improve understanding and communication between the Governments and the peoples of Commonwealth countries.

Mr. Whitney

We play an active part in the full range of Commonwealth activities. We fully support and endorse the programmes of the Commonwealth Secretariat, Commonwealth Foundation and Commonwealth Institute in achieving a greater under-standing amongst members of the Commonwealth.

About two-thirds of our bilateral aid budget is devoted to Commonwealth countries. In addition, we continue as part of our diplomatic efforts—within our financial and manpower limitations—to do all that we can to improve understanding and communication.

Mr. Banks

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that reply. Does he not agree that Her Majesty the Queen makes an outstanding contribution to the sense of cohesion and understanding between members of this remarkable free association? Will he pursue all avenues to improve education, student exchange and mutual aid within the Commonwealth framework?

Mr. Whitney

I am happy to agree with my hon. Friend about the contribution of Her Majesty the Queen to the unique character of the Commonwealth, and to assure him that the Government will continue — within the limitations of the resources available — to encourage student exchange and co-operation.

Mr. Spearing

Has the Minister seen recent press reports about the unsatisfactory nature of public electricity and water supplies in Grenada? In view of the fact that the Select Committee paid attention to those matters in January, and that those items are part of the British aid package to Grenada, will the hon. Gentleman find out whether there is any fault in communications between Her Majesty's Government and the authorities in Grenada?

Mr. Whitney

I shall be happy to draw the attention of my right hon. Friend the Minister for Overseas Development to that point. I remind the House that we have contributed £1.75 million in special assistance to Grenada. We shall reply to the report of the Foreign Affairs Committee on Grenada towards the end of May.

Viscount Cranbourne

No doubt my hon. Friend will have read press reports in the past few days about increasing offers of investment by the Soviet Union in the expansion of the Indian Navy. Does he feel that the remarkable increase in the power of the Indian Navy that such investment implies will increase understanding between Commonwealth nations — especially those which are members of NATO — in view of the increasing threat to the area represented by the Soviet Union's recent offensive in Afghanistan?

Mr. Whitney

We seem to be going some way from the original question. India co-operates closely with the British Government within the Commonwealth. I assure my hon. Friend that although there might be co-operation between India and the Soviet Union there is substantial co-operation between British industries, including defence industries, and the Republic of India.

Mr. George Robertson

Does the Minister agree that nothing will damage Commonwealth co-operation and development more than the prospective tour of South Africa by the English Rugby Football Union? Is it not time that the Government followed up their hitherto fairly tough words with an even more robust attitude to the tour so that its damaging implications for the Commonwealth games can be avoided?

Mr. Whitney

I am glad that the hon. Gentleman accepts that the Government have used tough words in regard to the proposed tour by the English Rugby Football Union. I hope that he will also accept that we live in a country in which individuals and societies such as the English Rugby Football Union must make their own decisions in such matters.