§ 49. Mr. Ray Powellasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on current United Kingdom-Philippines relations.
§ Mr. RentonUnited Kingdom-Philippines relations are very good. We have followed closely recent developments in the Philippines, and with our European partners have made clear our strong political support for President Aquino and the restoration of democracy there. The Foreign Affairs Committee paid a useful visit to Manila in April. We have doubled our bilateral aid to the Philippines since Mrs. Aquino became President and assistance from the European Community has also significantly increased. President Aquino has accepted, in principle, the Prime Minister's invitation to visit the United Kingdom.