§ 47. Mr. Tom Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the current level of overseas aid to the Philippines.
§ The Minister for Overseas Development (Mr. Timothy Raison)In 1984 we provided £225,000 under our technical co-operation programme and £32,000 in loan disbursements under the aid and trade provision. Commonwealth Development Corporation loan disbursements totalled £3.55 million.
§ Mr. ClarkeGiven that in 1983, 80 per cent. of the money available to the Philippines was spent on the Guthrie project, Mindanao, which turned out to be somewhat notorious in terms of abuses of human rights, land grabbing and so on, is the Minister watching carefully how the money is spent? May we be assured that no further such abuses have occurred?
§ Mr. RaisonWe are watching carefully the progress of the project, about which, I appreciate, there have been difficulties. On the other hand, the latest reports show that it has brought considerable benefits, including a large increase in employment, an improvement in medical services, water and power supplies and, in other ways, has added to the prosperity of the area.
Mr. John David TaylorWhen were the last democratic elections held in the Philippines, and when are the next expected to be held?
§ Mr. RaisonThat does not arise on this question.