HC Deb 18 April 1988 vol 131 cc549-50
89. Dr. Michael Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he proposes any new aid for Nepal; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Chris Patten

During my recent visit to Nepal I announced a new British grant of £20 million for development aid.

Dr. Clark

Does my hon. Friend agree that there are few countries with closer links to Britain than Nepal? Does he also agree that there are few countries more grateful for the aid that Britain gives than Nepal? Is he aware of the need of funds in Nepal for reafforestation? Is he hopeful that some of the welcome £20 million that he has just mentioned will be spent in that direction?

Mr. Patten

I very much agree with what my hon. Friend has said about relations between Britain and Nepal. He is also right to point to the importance of afforestation schemes in that country. When I recently visited Nepal I was pleased to visit the Forestry Institute, the new buildings of which have been erected with assistance from this country. I met the Forestry Minister and discussed the further help that we could provide to that sector in his country. I also visited the first-class agricultural research station at Pakrabhas, which is also doing a good deal of work in that sector.

Mr. Cohen

If the Minister consults his Front-Bench colleagues, he will discover that a constituent of mine was treated in a deplorable manner by the Nepalese authorities, in breach of both Nepalese and international law. Will the Minister make the aid conditional on those authorities improving their human rights record?

Mr. Patten

We have drawn the attention of the Nepal Government to some of the cases raised by Amnesty International.

Mr. Soames

Is my hon. Friend aware of the anxiety about the future of the Gurkha hospital? Will his Department be able to assist that excellent institution?

Mr. Patten

We are discussing with the Nepal Government the conversion of Dharan. I agree with what my hon. Friend said about the value of the hospital at that base, and that is something that we shall have to take into account in the next few years.