HC Deb 13 January 1986 vol 89 c772
41. Mr. Dubs

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what financial support he has given to keep the Vietnamese refugees in the camps in Hong Kong in each of the last five years.

Mr. Raison

The Overseas Development. Administration has made the following contributions to the Save the Children Fund for its programme of assistance to Vietnamese refugees in camps in Hong Kong:—£15,000 in 1981; £10,000 in 1982; £9,000 in 1983; £14,000 in 1984 and £15,000 in 1985. In addition, the ODA makes an annual contribution of approximately £3.5 million to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, who also runs a refugee programme in Hong Kong.

Mr. Dubs

Does the Minister not accept that we in Britain have a great responsibility for supporting the Hong Kong Government in what they are doing for the Vietnamese in camps in Hong Kong? Does he accept also that the resources available are not adequate? He has only to look at the schools in the camps to understand that. Will he reconsider the possibility of Britain giving more support to those who need help?

Mr. Raison

I believe the facts show that we are already making a reasonable contribution. Indeed, the work that we are doing is fully appreciated.

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