HC Deb 19 January 1989 vol 145 cc270-1W
Mrs. Mahon

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much aid is being provided to India for drilling rigs for the Indian Government's water project; and how much aid the Indian Government requested to finance the original programme.

Mr. Chris Patten

We were discussing with the Indian authorities finance for a water drilling project costing about £25 million. Unfortunately the project did not pass our appraisal, designed to ensure that it was likely to achieve sustainable benefits. We are considering alternative approaches with the Government of India.