HC Deb 14 October 1976 vol 917 c171W
Mr. Spearing

asked the Minister for Overseas Development whether he is prepared to offer assistance to the Rhodesian refugees in Mozambique.

Mr. Prentice

As was stated in the reply given to a Question from my hon. Friend the Member for Coventry, South-West (Mrs. Wise) on 6th August, assistance to refugees is the responsibility of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees to whose funds Her Majesty's Government contribute. In addition, however, Her Majesty's Government has also offered to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees a special contribution of £100,000 for Rhodesian refugees in Mozambique to be used for the provision of alternative accommodation and welfare facilities, and in the longer term for the support of the High Commission's assistance in agriculture, health and education. Parliamentary approval for an initial contribution of £50,000 will be sought in a Supplementary Estimate, for the Overseas Aid: Subhead B6 of Class II 8 Vote. Pending that approval, the necessary expenditure will be met by a repayable advance from the Contingencies Fund—[Vol. 916, c. 1119.]