§ Mr. Peter Bottomleyasked the Lord Privy Seal (1) if he will make a statement on past, present and potential aid for refugees and to relief organisations in El Salvador;
(2) if he will make a statement on United States representations concerning British or EEC aid for relief for refugees in El Salvador.
§ Mr. RidleyThe United States Administration have expressed concern that European Community aid to Salvadorean refugees might fall into the hands of guerrillas, whose purpose is to overthrow the Salvadorean Government. The European Community is currently considering aid worth about £950,000 to Salvadorean refugees to be channelled through the International Committee of the Red Cross. A decision however has not yet been taken. Her Majesty's Government take the view that it is right to channel aid to refugees through neutral and disinterested agencies such as the Red Cross. But all450W possible precautions must be taken to ensure that it does not fall into the wrong hands. Her Majesty's Government's share of European Community aid is some 20 per cent.
No bilateral United Kingdom aid has been given for Salvadorean refugees: but we shall keep the whole question under review.