HC Deb 20 November 1972 vol 846 cc258-9W
37. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on British aid to Bangladesh in 1972.

Mr. Wood

The main object of the £12 million promised for relief is the restoration of communications. Apart from equipment already provided, two helicopters are due for delivery early next year. The Royal Engineers have helped to put up Bailey bridges, and we have engaged firms to salvage sunken vessels and fallen spans of railway bridges. We provided last February loans of £4.8 million for development, and we are financing a transport survey and a management study of the nationalised industries.