HC Deb 25 November 1977 vol 939 cc918-9W
Mr. Banks

asked the Minister of Overseas Development if she will list the individual loans and grants to Communist governed countries authorised by her Department since her taking office.

Mrs. Hart

The following aid commitments to Communist-governed countries have been made since my appointment last February. All are in grant form.

Vietnam The technical co-operation programme for English language training was doubled in 1977–78 to an estimated £200,000. A contribution of £25,000 to the British Hospital for Vietnam. Bilateral food aid of 4,750 tonnes of flour, estimated to cost £760,000. A contribution, estimated at £188,000, to the EEC's 1977 butter oil food aid programme. A contribution, estimated at £160,000 to the EEC's 1977 dried skimmed milk food aid programme.

Cuba Negotiations for a technical co-operation agreement started in 1975 and the agreement was signed in April 1977, but no specific commitments have yet been made.