HC Deb 20 October 1982 vol 29 cc149-50W
Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contributions have been made so far by the United Kingdom towards UNESCO's international programme for the development of communications launched in 1981; and what help is envisaged in the future.

Mr. Rifkind

Her Majesty's Government have welcomed the establishment of the international programme for the development of communication, as a useful co-ordinating mechanism with a positive role to play in assessing communication development needs and resources, but sees no necessity for either a separate fund or any separate contribution to the IPDC.

We believe that adequate multilateral, bilateral, public and private channels of finance for communication development exist already. The allocation of available resources depends very much on the priority attached by the developing countries themselves to their communications sectors. Within the limits of available resources, we shall continue to be ready to consider requests from individual countries for assistance for sound projects including those that may be identified by the intergovernmental council of the IPDC.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list in the Official Report those projects financed wholly or in part by British bilateral aid during 1981–82 and 1982–83 which are intended to improve communications in the recipient countries either through the provision of equipment or training and including press, broadcasting, television, and international news gathering or reporting.

Mr. Rifkind

The following communications projects supported from capital aid funds were in progress in January 1982:

  • Bangladesh
    • Police Telecommunications
  • Colombia
    • Postal Sorting Offices
  • India
    • Indian Ocean Submarine Cable System
  • Lesotho
    • Radio Transmitters
    • Maseru Trunk System
  • Malawi
    • Rural Telecommunications
  • Malaysia
    • Madras-Penang Cable Link
  • Mauritius
    • Rodrigues Radio Rebroadcasting Station
  • Nepal
    • Telecommunications

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