§ Dr. Edmund Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 19 January, why Her Majesty's Government have expressed reservations about giving Nicaragua additional aid from the European Community special aid programme for Central America.
§ Mr. OnslowNicaragua already receives both food aid and project aid from regular European Community programmes. In discussion with our European Community partners it has already been agreed that not all Central American countries should benefit from the special programme for additional aid to the area. In considering380W who should benefit we have to take account of the low priority which the Government of Nicaragua appear to give to using resources for social and economic development, as well as their curbs on civil rights, the treatment of minorities, and the continuing military buildup in Nicaragua.