§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the restrictions on aid to Vietnam; and if he has proposals to lift them.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe Government have no direct aid programme for Vietnam and no immediate plans to begin one. However, I am keeping this question under review. We provide financial support to British non-governmental organisations for projects in Vietnam through our joint funding scheme, under which we meet 50 per cent. of costs, and through a special scheme for two northern provinces of Vietnam from which most of the boat people came, under which the Overseas Development Administration meets 80 per cent. of costs. The European Community is now preparing to provide reintegration assistance for boat people returnees and the Goverment will contribute to the cost.