HC Deb 25 November 1988 vol 142 cc13-4W
Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will give details of the aid provided to Nicaragua by Her Majesty's Government in response to damage caused by hurricane Joan; what additional aid requests have been received; what representations have been received urging more assistance; and what information sources he relies upon to provide details of hurricane damage.

Mr. Chris Patten

Including our contribution to the European Community's programme, we have provided £413,000 in emergency aid. This has been channelled through voluntary agencies largely to the Atlantic coast region. No specific further aid requests have been made although I have received a number of representations from groups and individuals in this country urging that further assistance be given. We use all available information sources on any disaster, including British diplomatic posts, voluntary agencies, international organisations and especially the office of the United Nations disaster relief co-ordinator.

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if consideration has been given to sending military assistance from British forces based in Belize to aid the civilian authorities in Nicaragua with repair work arising from damage caused by hurricane Joan; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Chris Patten

No request for the assistance of the British garrison in Belize has been received from the Government of Nicaragua.