HC Deb 20 November 1979 vol 974 cc124-6W
Mr. Newens

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will list in the Official Report the total amount of money allocated by the Government for relief in Kampuchea, both before 22 October and subsequently; and how much has been spent to date by each of the agencies chosen to dispense this and for what purposes.

Mr. Hurd

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Minister for Overseas Development, the hon. Member for Banbury (Mr. Marten), on 9 November to the hon. Member for Eccles (Mr. Carter-Jones) which lists the money allocated—[Vol. 973, c. 345–46]. We are in touch with the various agencies concerned about spending. About £200,000 has so far been spent for the RAF Hercules airlift and £45,000 for the aircraft chartered to carry relief supplies provided by the British voluntary agencies from Britain to Phnom Penh on 26 October.

Mr. Newens

asked the Lord Privy Seal how many loaded flights have been made by the RAF Hercules loaned to the ICRC for relief work in Kampuchea; and if he will list the main different categories of cargo carried, indicating the quantities in each case.

Mr. Ridley

As at 15 November the RAF Hercules had made 31 loaded flights to Phnom Penh. The cargo carried weighed approximately 450 tons and included:

  • 12 10-ton trucks
  • 13 landrovers
  • 1 fork lift truck
  • I conveyor belt
  • 50 tons vehicle fuel
  • 95 tons cooking oil
  • 36 tons milk powder
  • 60 tons rice
  • 30 tons fish protein paste
  • 30 tons medical supplies including hospital beds
  • 17 tons soap, vehicle spares, fishing nets and office equipment

Mr. Newens

asked the Lord Privy Seal on what date the RAF Hercules at present flying relief supplies from Bangkok to Phnom Penh will cease to be available to the ICRC; and what is the cash equivalent of the use of this form of air transport.

Mr. Ridley

19 November 1979; the total cost of providing the RAF Hercules for flying relief supplies to Phnom Penh will be approximately £200,000.

Mr. Newens

asked the Lord Privy Seal what reports he has had from Oxfam of difficulties encountered in supplying relief to those in need in Kampuchea; and if these include any produced by the Vietnamese authorities.

Mr. Hurd

Oxfam tells me that its difficulties have been no more than were to be expected.

Mr. Newens

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he intends to make any further aid or assistance available for the purpose of relief in Kampuchea, in the light of the present situation.

Mr. Hurd

In the light of the good international response made at the United Nations Pledging Conference of 5 November, we have no plans at present to alter the British Government's contribution, which was described in the reply given by my hon. Friend the Minister for Overseas Development, the hon. Member for Banbury (Mr. Marten) to the hon. Member for Eccles (Mr. Carter-Jones) on 9 November.—[Vol. 973, c. 345–46.]

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