§ Mr. Newensasked the Minister of Overseas Development if she will withhold the provision of further aid to Bolivia until there is a substantial improvement in the treatment accorded to political prisoners in the country and the attitude adopted towards exiled trade unionists.
§ Mrs. HartWhen considering the provision of aid to any developing country I always take into account questions of human rights. I also have to consider the benefits which British aid could provide for the poorer sections of the community whom we aim to help. Both 485W these factors will be taken into account in any decision on further aid to Boliva.
§ Mr. Newensasked the Minister of Overseas Development if her Department has been involved in arranging for a $25 million loan from Hanover Manufactures Limited to the Bolivian Mining Corporation; and if this is in any way linked to ODM grants to the Bolivian mining industry.
§ Mrs. HartMy Department was not involved in any way in the recent commercial loan granted to the Bolivian Mining Corporation, nor was it in any way linked with any aspects of the aid programme.
§ Mr. Newensasked the Minister of Overseas Development if Her Majesty's Government have recently agreed to provide financial aid to the Bolivian mining industry; and, if so, how much.