HC Deb 20 May 1963 vol 678 cc6-7W
Mr. Harold Davies

asked the Lord Privy Seal what contribution Great Britain has made in materials, personnel or cash to the Mekong River Development Scheme; and, in view of the fact that this scheme will contribute greatly towards improving human welfare in this area, if he will make available in the Library the report of the 19th session of the Mekong Co-ordinating Committee which ended in Vientiane on 14th January, 1963.

Mr. Smithers

Her Majesty's Government have offered to contribute £130,000 to the Scheme under the Colombo Plan. £65,058 has so far been spent on the provision of a 50-ft. survey launch, meteorological equipment and a radio station, and on navigational improvements along the Mekong mainstream. The balance is being used for further navigational improvements and to assist the hydrographic survey which the United Nations Special Fund is sponsoring.

Copies of the report of the 19th Session of the Mekong Co-ordinating Committee will shortly be made available in the Library.