HC Deb 22 April 1991 vol 189 cc771-2
40. Mr. Andrew Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will ensure that the payment of aid funds by Her Majesty's Government to third world countries takes full account of the recipient's record on human rights.

Mrs. Chalker

Human rights is one of a number of important factors that we take fully into account in deciding aid allocations.

Mr. Mitchell

Will my right hon. Friend confirm that, with the exception of some humanitarian aid to refugees on the Thai-Burmese border, there will be no resumption of any aid to the Government of Burma until they respect the elections that were held last May in which the Opposition won 85 per cent. of the vote, release the Opposition's de facto leader who is still under house arrest, and un-ban the democratic parties that they have tried to suppress?

Mrs. Chalker

I entirely agree with my hon. Friend.