§ Sir Frederic Bennettasked the Lord Privy Seal if, in the light of Recommendation 922 (1981) of the 285W Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on the situation of refugees from Afghanistan, Her Majesty's Government intend to take any additional measures.
§ Mr. Humphrey AtkinsHer Majesty's Government continue to play their full part in the programme of assistance to the Afghan refugees. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced in Pakistan on 8 October the allocation of a further £2 million for this purpose. The Government continue to work for a peaceful settlement which will enable the Afghan refugees to return to their homes in safety and honour.
§ Sir Frederic Bennettasked the Lord Privy Seal what is his policy towards the organisation of an international conference on the Afghanistan crisis.
§ Mr. Humphrey AtkinsHer Majesty's Government consider that the European Council proposals of 30 June for holding an international conference on Afghanistan continue to offer a reasonable and practical means of moving towards a political settlement.
§ Sir Frederic Bennettasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will publish details in the Official Report of the political and financial support the Government have given to the programmes of international organisations involved in the assistance of refugees from Afghanistan and for the Government of Pakistan's programme of assistance.
§ Mr. Humphrey AtkinsSince January 1980 Her Majesty's Government have given or pledged some £7.8 million for the Afghan refugees, including some £4.25 million through the European Community. This assistance has been in cash, emergency supplies, and food aid, given mainly to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees programme. It also includes a cash pledge to the Pakistan Government of £1.5 million, which is subject to Parliamentary approval. The Government fully support the work of international organisations in giving assistance to the Afghan refugees.