HC Deb 02 November 1961 vol 648 c7W
Mr. Ridsdale

asked the Lord Privy Seal what steps Her Majesty's Government are taking to respond to the appeal of the President of the Republic of Vietnam for assistance from friendly countries, in view of the floods which have occurred in the south-west of Vietnam.

Mr. Heath

Her Majesty's Government have arranged for a supply of blankets, cloth, rice and other foodstuffs to be flown from Singapore to Saigon. These goods will be transported in Royal Air Force and Royal New Zealand Air Force aircraft. The cost is estimated to be £2,550, and Parliament will, in due course, be asked to vote that amount by means of a Supplementary Estimate. In the meantime an advance will be obtained from the Civil Contingencies Fund as required.