§ Sir George Youngasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the level and nature of United Kingdom assistance to Pakistan.
§ Mr. Chris PattenOur gross bilateral aid to Pakistan in 1986 is povisionally estimated at £20.7 million, compared to £16.6 million in 1985. It is concentrated in the main sectors to which the Pakistan authorities give priority: irrigation and agriculture; power; education and health; and population. I shall be discussing the progress of the programme with Prime Minister Junejo tomorrow.
We also provide substantial assistance to the Afghan refugees in Pakistan—over £40 million since the Soviet invasion. Following my visit to the camps last November, when I was able to see for myself the good use to which these funds are put, I plan to allocate £5 million more for support of the refugees this financial year.