HC Deb 01 May 1959 vol 604 c165W
Mr. Robert Jenkins

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what help has been offered by Her Majesty's Government to the Government or people of Uruguay in connection with the recent floods.

Mr. R. Allan

Her Majesty's Government have learned with deep regret of the devastation caused in large areas of Uruguay by the disastrous floods of the past few weeks. I know the House will wish to join me in expressing our warm sympathy with our Uruguayan friends in their great misfortune. Although final reports are not available, it is evident that the floods have assumed disastrous proportions. Her Majesty's Government have therefore decided to make a contribution of £10,000 for the relief of the victims. This sum will be spent in close co-operation with the Red Cross on the supplies which are most urgently needed.

The House will be asked in due course to vote the necessary provision by means of a Supplementary Estimate. In the meantime an advance is being obtained from the Civil Contingencies Fund.