§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures Her Majesty's Government have taken to provide disaster relief for Peru following the recent earthquake.
§ Sir Alec Douglas-HomeHer Majesty's Government, and I myself, were deeply distressed at the devastating earthquake in Peru. My predecessor as Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and Her Majesty's Ambassador in Lima sent messages of sympathy to the Peruvian Government. A Royal Air Force 'plane containing six tons of drugs and medical supplies was among the first to arrive in Peru. Experts working on behalf of the Ministry of Overseas Development gave their services to the Peruvian Government. In response to a specific request from the Peruvian authorities ten sets of specialised signals equipment were also flown out by the Royal Air Force to help to restore communications in the disaster area. Her Majesty's Government have now made further proposals to the Peruvian Government for assistance in rehabilitation and reconstruction.
I acknowledge with gratitude the very substantial help for Peru provided by the voluntary societies and by private individuals in this country and totalling over £180,000.