§ 51. Mr. McElhoneasked the Lord Privy Seal what representations he has now received on the amount of aid allocated to Zimbabwe.
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§ Mr. Neil MartenWe have had discussions with the Zimbabwe Government about our aid programme, most recently during the visit of three Zimbabwe Ministers on 5 and 6 June and the ODA Mission, which has just returned this weekend. Various organisations and individuals in this country have told us their views on the size of our programme. Their views are equally divided between those who say it is too much and those who say it is too little.
§ 53. Mr. Allen McKayasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on expenditure so far from the £7 million of British aid allocated to emergency assistance for Zimbabwe.
§ Mr. Neil MartenAs yet there has been no expenditure. The Zimbabwe Government have recently produced their detailed list of reconstruction requirements, and administrative arrangements for our £7 million are now being completed. The first payments will be made very shortly.
§ 56. Mr. Brocklebank-Fowlerasked the Lord Privy Seal what consultations he has had with the voluntary organisations working in Zimbabwe about the likelihood of famine in that country.
§ Mr. Neil MartenOur High Commission in Salisbury has had discussions with the International Committee for the Red Cross and others, and we are keeping a close watch on the situation.
§ Mr. Wallasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will specify the British grants and loans given to or proposed for Zimbabwe since its independence.
§ Mr. Neil MartenOur plans for aid to Zimbabwe remain as announced by my right hon. Friend on 15 April.—[Vol. 982, c. 1015–16.] Until the proposals for the allocation of our £75 million aid are finally agreed, I cannot specify the relative proportions of grant and loan within this sum. Separately from the aid programme, assistance is being provided with training of the Zimbabwe forces.