§ Mr. Ernie Robertsasked the Lord Privy Seal how much aid has been given to Vietnam and Kampuchea since January 1981; and whether the distribution of food which is provided through the aid programme is dependent on any political considerations.
§ Mr. Neil MartenNo United Kingdom aid has been given to Vietnam since January 1981. In March 1981 a grant of £300,000 was made to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to provide relief to Cambodian refugees in Thailand or on the Thai-Cambodian border and, subject to parliamentary approval, a further £125,000 will be provided through the International Committee of the Red Cross for the same purpose. Also subject to parliamentary approval, the Government have pledged £250,000 of food aid in support of these UNHCR and ICRC programmes. This will be distributed by the world food programme. Political considerations are taken into account in the allocation of all aid, including food aid.