§ Mr. Harry BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State For Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he will reply to the letter of 9 May from Mr. and Mrs. B. O. Smith of 208 Sheffield Road, Killamarsh, Sheffield, concerning contacts with the British embassy in Bucharest.
§ Mr. WaldegraveMy private secretary replied to Mr. and Mrs. Smith's letter on 5 July. I regret the delay. Her Majesty's embassy in Bucharest is aware of Mr. and Mrs. Smith's interest in adopting a Romanian child and will assist them as much as possible.
§ Mrs. Margaret EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has on the aid provided to Romania by the International Red Cross since 1 March; and if he will publish it in theOfficial Report.
§ Mr. Waldegrave[holding answer 11 June]: The information is not available for the precise period requested by the hon. Member. However, I understand that between 1 February and 25 June, contributions to the League of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies' aid programme to Romania totalled approximately £11.6 million. This figure does not reflect numerous donations for which no value was indicated. The contributions, from over 30 national societies and private donors, consisted mainly of medical supplies, medicaments and basic equipment for orphanages, homes for the elderly or disabled, hospitals and dispensaries. Donations also include food, clothing, toys and other supplies.