§ 38. Mrs. Hartasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he is yet in a position to make a statement about further aid to Bangladesh.
§ Mr. WoodSince my answer to Questions on 14th February, discussions have taken place in Dacca, and with representatives of the World Bank and other Governments. The loan agreements for £4.8 million have now been signed, and there is reason to hope that an aid consortium for Bangladesh will be established before long.
Of the £3 million already pledged for relief aid, we have made available £ 1 million in cash to the United Nations and, with its agreement, are providing help for road and water transport in Bangladesh. We have also chartered two aircraft for use there, and are now considering what further contribution we should make to the United Nation's programme.