§ 3.18 p.m.
§ Baroness Ewart-Biggs asked Her Majesty's Government:
§ Whether they plan to increase humanitarian assistance to El Salvador following the escalation of the civil war there.
1000§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Brabazon of Tara)My Lords, we have contributed £100,000 to the International Committee of the Red Cross for its emergency programme of assistance to civilians affected by the recent civil strife. In addition to this, our share of the emergency aid so far provided by the European Community amounts to about £200,000. We shall, of course, continue to monitor the situation closely, but we do not plan an increase at the present time.
§ Baroness Ewart-BiggsMy Lords, I am grateful to the Minister for that Answer. In view of the appalling suffering of the people of El Salvador, will he say, first, whether he believes that the emergency aid from the EC might be increased? Secondly, will he say what action Her Majesty's Government are taking to dissuade the American Government from continuing their military aid which prolongs the civil war? In view of the escalation of human rights violations in El Salvador, as reptorted by Amnesty, will the Minister also say whether the Government have protested to the Government of El Salvador about the murder of six Jesuit priests and the imprisonment and torture of church leaders by members of the armed forces and security services?
§ Lord Brabazon of TaraMy Lords, on 23rd November the European Community granted 1.5 million ecus in aid and it may be a little too soon to think about a further tranche. As regards the murder of the Jesuit priests, of course we are concerned about the matter and condemn it. We believe that the perpetrators should be pursued and brought to justice. As regards US aid to El Salvador, we have no grounds on which to urge the United States to stop such aid. The government in El Salvador was elected in free elections and the president has publicly committed his government to proper respect for human rights.
§ Lord BeloffMy Lords, does the Minister agree that the greatest contribution which could be made to the security of life and limb in El Salvador is to stop Soviet arms reaching the rebels in that country via Cuba and Nicaragua? Does he also not regret that President Bush failed to persuade Mr. Gorbachev that that would be a genuine token of his new outlook?
§ Lord Brabazon of TaraMy Lords, my noble friend makes some interesting points with which I cannot disagree. However, we are straying somewhat from the Question on the Order Paper, which is to do with humanitarian aid.