§ 85. Mr. BowisTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to increase British and European aid to Afghanistan after the withdrawal of Soviet troops and advisers.
§ Mr. Chris PattenI have already pledged £10 million to support the work of multilateral organisations and British voluntary agencies once properly co-ordinated international relief arrangements have been established. If appropriate, additional resources will be made available later.
When the situation in Afghanistan allows, the European Community could also make an important contribution to international aid efforts. Emergency and food aid, channelled through international organisations, will be priorities.
§ 94. Mr. SoamesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's assistance to Afghan refugees.
§ Mr. Chris PattenFollowing signature of the Geneva agreements in April, I have announced a doubling of our annual programme of support for Afghan refugees to £10 million in the current financial year. These funds will support the work of British voluntary agencies and multilateral organisations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Committee of the Red Cross. This assistance will be conditional on properly co-ordinated international arrangements for the resettlement of Afghan refugees being put in place.