§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much aid is currently being given annually to India and Pakistan by Her Majesty's Government and the United Nations, respectively; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WoodBritain's gross aid dis-mursements in 1970 for India and Pakistan were £44.78 millions and £10.62 millions, respectively. In this fiscal year, ending on 30th June, 1971, the World Bank has signed or approved credits for India and Pakistan amounting to £101 millions and £20 millions, respectively. The total estimated cost of present projects of the United Nations Development Programme in India and Pakistan is respectively £15 millions and £10 millions. The Specialised Agencies may also be providing some aid from their own budgets.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what decisions were taken on economic aid by the Aid for Pakistan Consortium meeting in Paris; what discussions took place regarding the use of this aid to relieve the suffering of refugees from East Pakistan; what action was proposed to relieve the victims of the conflict in East Pakistan; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WoodOn 30th April in Paris there was a private discussion between the donor countries of the Pakistan Aid Consortium. It was not a full consortium meeting and it did not reach any decisions on aid for Pakistan. Another similar discussion will take place later this month.
The consortium is concerned only with development aid and has not discussed the matter for relief for the East Pakistan refugees.