§ Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what help has been offered by the United Kingdom to the Government of Pakistan to relieve distress caused by the recent cyclone in East Pakistan.
§ Mr. BraineHer Majesty's Government were grieved to learn of the loss of life and material destruction caused by the further cyclone in East Pakistan on 9th May. This has been a serious setback to East Pakistan's economy, which was recovering with difficulty from the two cyclone disasters of last October. I am sure that the House will wish to join with me in expressing our sincere sympathy to the people of Pakistan.
As a practical sign of sympathy Her Majesty's Government have provided One Lakh of Rupees. At the suggestion of the Pakistan authorities the money is being used to build two primary schools, a large number of which were destroyed in the three cyclones. These two new schools will be of solid construction and will be capable of being used as community shelters in the event of any future cyclones.
The House will be asked, in due course, to vote the necessary supplementary Estimate. In the meantime an advance is being made from the Civil Contingencies Fund.