HC Deb 21 May 1984 vol 60 cc679-80
32. Mr. Soames

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent commitments of aid have been made to Pakistan.

Mr. Raison

At the World Bank Consortium meeting on Pakistan in April we announced a further £25 million of grant-aid to Pakistan for projects to be agreed with the Pakistan Government. We also announced a grant of £1 million to a programme aimed at discouraging the growth of narcotic drugs.

Mr. Soames

Does my right hon. Friend agree that Pakistan has a particularly serious problem with the large numbers of refugees coming from Afghanistan? During the discussion with the Pakistan Government, was any reference made to tagging aid specifically to help the Afghans?

Mr. Raison

We recognise the great problem faced by the Afghan refugees, and we respect the response of the Pakistan Government to the problem. Since 1980 we have allocated about £21 million for the support of those refugees.

Sir John Biggs-Davison

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in Pakistan I was told of the country's gratitude for the aid given to the refugees? However, have the other countries which also condemned the situation that produced the refugees given money proportionate to their means, and, if not, will Her Majesty's Government address them?

Mr. Raison

I cannot answer for all the other countries concerned. However, the overall response to the problem of Afghan refugees in Pakistan has not been unsatisfactory.