HL Deb 07 November 1984 vol 457 cc139-40WA
The Earl of Onslow

asked Her Majesty's Government:

If they will make a statement on the implications for United Kingdom policy towards El Salvador of the talks initiated by President Duarte with the FMLN/FDR guerrillas.

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Young)

We welcome President Duarte's initiative which is in line with his commitment to strengthen democracy, and to work for national reconciliation and an improvement in human rights in El Salvador. To demonstrate our support for these policies we have offered to resume a modest technical assistance programme and have made available £100,000 for emergency civilian supplies under our aid programme. Outside the aid programme we have also offered places for one or two suitably qualified Salvadorean military officers at staff college courses in Britain.