§ Mr. Hopkinsasked the Lord Privy Seal what aid Her Majesty's Government have given to the victims of the earthquake at Barce, Libya.
§ Mr. HeathHer Majesty's Government learned with profound regret of the loss of life and damage to property which was suffered by the inhabitants of Barce in this disaster. British troops in Libya gave immediate emergency relief and supplies of tents and blankets were made available to the Libyan Government. There has also been some very generous assistance by various voluntary organisations in this country. It has not yet been possible to assess the exact cost of this help, since large amounts of equipment are still on loan to the Libyans, but gross costs so far are estimated at not more than £57,000. In due course Parliament will be asked to vote up to that amount by means of a Supplementary Estimate to the Foreign Office Grants and Loans vote. If any payment has to be made before this, an advance will be obtained from the Civil Contingency Fund.