HL Deb 10 December 1963 vol 253 cc1104-5

2.41 p.m.

THE EARL OF SANDWICH

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether it is the South Arabian Federation's intention to seek financial aid elsewhere than from the United Kingdom.]

THE MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO (LORD CARRINGTON)

My Lords, I understand so. Apart from providing financial assistance to the Federation from its own resources, Her Majesty's Government are willing to help it in applying for such aid from any other suitable source.

THE EARL OF SANDWICH

My Lords, does this not set a precedent in that there is, I think, no dependent territory at the moment which is allowed to seek financial assistance otherwise than from the United Kingdom? Ought we not to meet the legitimate desires of the South Arabian Federation in full?

LORD CARRINGTON

My Lords, I am not quite sure whether or not this is a precedent, but, of course, we are spending a very large sum of money each year in the South Arabian Federation, and in Aden. In the last five years it has exceeded £27 million. But, of course, a great deal of money needs to be spent in this territory, and I should have thought that, provided that the sources from which this aid would come are suitable, no particular harm is done.

THE EARL OF SANDWICH

My Lords, I do not know whether my noble friend is able to express concern to the House about the news in the newspapers this afternoon to the effect that there has been a dastardly outrage in Aden. The High Commissioner has been wounded and Sultan Ahmed, the Minister of National Enlightenment, has also been severely wounded. Is there any statement the Government can make on that?

LORD CARRINGTON

My Lords, it is rather a different question, but I know that your Lordships will be interested in this outrage. The information we have is that the High Commissioner was waiting for the departure of an aircraft to come to this country with certain Ministers when a grenade exploded in the middle of a group of persons. One person was killed and 39 injured, including two British officials, and the High Commissioner himself was slightly injured. Among those admitted to hospital were the Yemeni Royalist Foreign Minister. I am sure the whole House will join with me in expressing indignation at this outrage and extending sympathy to those who have been wounded.

SEVERAL NOBLE LORDS: Hear, hear!