§ 44. Ms EagleTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consideration has been given to withdrawing from the Pergau dam project.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydNone. Construction is on schedule for completion in 1996.
§ Ms EagleGiven that it is now clear that the ODA contribution to the Pergau dam project has been used to facilitate the accumulation of massive profits from privatisation for a few rich Malaysian individuals, will the Minister consider asking the Malaysian Government whether they believe that overseas aid is being abused?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydSome £4 billion worth of British exports have been assisted by the aid and trade provision. I have set out the benefits that have derived from the Pergau contract. Ministers have nothing whatsoever to be ashamed of.
§ Mr. John MarshallIs my hon. Friend aware that most people are amazed at the Opposition's campaign against a project that has resulted in the trebling of British exports to Malaysia and that they regard the campaign against the project as stupid and inane? The campaign is putting at risk tens of thousands of jobs in this country. The Opposition should, instead, be commending the Government for helping British industry.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydAs I have said, Malaysia provides a prime example of a Government who have pulled themselves out of poverty as a result of some measure of project aid.