HC Deb 22 February 1971 vol 812 cc4-5W
43. Dr. Miller

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he is satisfied that British aid to India and Pakistan takes sufficient account of the increasing populations of these countries; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Kershaw

We play our full part in the international consortia for aid to India and Pakistan and even within the static aid ceiling of recent years our disbursements to these two countries have grown to more than a quarter of the total programme. We shall continue to bear the needs of these large and poor countries very much in mind as our aid programmes increase.

75. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the effect on trade with India on the basis, that during a transitional period after Great Britain had joined the Common Market, the Generalised Scheme of Preference replaced the existing arrangements.

Mr. Rippon

It is not possible to make a reliable estimate of the effect which British entry into the European Economic Community would have on trade with India. After enlargement many Indian exports will continue to enjoy free entry to the enlarged Community because the Common External tariff is zero, or will benefit under the Community's Generalised Preference Scheme offer. The Communities have also agreed to examine after enlargement any problems arising in the field of trade with a view to reaching appropriate solutions.