HC Deb 03 February 1986 vol 91 cc15-6
55. Mr. Tom Clarke

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been the level of overseas aid to Indonesia in each of the last five years.

Mr. Raison

Gross bilateral aid to Indonesia includes capital aid, technical co-operation, aid and trade provision and investment by the Commonwealth Development Corporation. In the years 1980 to 1984 aid amounted to £11.19 million, £15.35 million, £17.22 million, £12.36 million and £28.29 million, respectively.

Mr. Clarke

Notwithstanding those generous figures and the supply of arms from this country, Indonesia has continued its policy of suppression against its own people, those in East Timor, and refugees in Papua New Guinea. What protest will be made?

Mr. Raison

The Indonesian Government are well aware of our position, namely, that we are against abuses of human rights, wherever they occur. However, the fact remains that Indonesia needs aid and can make good use of it.

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