HC Deb 22 July 1971 vol 821 cc340-1W
Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what is the latest representation he has received from India regarding contributions towards the cumulative cost to India of looking after the refugees from Pakistan ; if he will give the latest cumulative contributions given by Great Britain and the United Nations, respectively, towards such costs ; and if he will make a statement ;

(2) what are the latest representations he has received from India regarding the number of refugees from East Pakistan now in India ; what estimate has been sent to him by India of the expected cost to India of six months' support for these refugees ; and if he will make a statement ;

(3) what is the latest information which has been supplied to him by India as to the anticipated shortfall between the cost to India and the contributions from Great Britain and the United Nations of supporting refugees from East Pakistan on India soil ; if he will make representations at the United Nations regarding methods of relieving India of this burden ; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Wood

I have received no formal representations from the Government of India. The latest Indian reports show that there are now more than 6¾ million refugees. The Government of India have estimated the cost of maintaining them for six months at £167 millions. The United Nations estimates that by 14th July international contributions, through the United Nations and directly, were about £70 millions. There is nothing I can add at present to the answer I gave to the hon. Member on 29th June about contributions from this country. The United Nations, which has established a focal point for co-ordination in Delhi, is fully aware of the situation and I see no need to make representations.—[Vol. 820, c. 92.]

Back to