HC Deb 04 November 1988 vol 139 c824W
Dr. Goodson-Wickes

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on British aid to Burma.

Mr. Chris Patten

The military regime is pledged to hold democratic multi-party elections. It is important that this pledge be honoured as soon as possible. Meanwhile, purges of those involved in the August and September demostrations continue. In the circumstances I have decided that our aid to Burma should be frozen, with the exeption of Burmese nationals already in the United Kingdom. This decision will be kept under review in the light of developments in Burma.