§ Mr. Goodhewasked the Lord Privy Seal what request for help in dealing with an invasion of locusts has been received from the Iranian Government; and what action has been taken.
§ Mr. GodberIn response to an urgent request from the Iranian Government, Her Majesty's Government have undertaken the transport by air of nearly 19 tons of anti-locust insecticide ordered by the Iranian Government from this country. The locust invasion in Southern Iran has been particularly severe this summer; and since prompt counter measures against the locusts are essential, the airlift was arranged without delay during the Whitsun Recess. The cost of chartering civil aircraft was £9,900. 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.