§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Prime Minister if she will take urgent steps to help those Third world countries which as a direct consequence of the Gulf crisis are in danger of economic hardship.
§ The Prime MinisterThe best way to help countries damaged by the Gulf crisis is to bring an end to the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait and restore stability to the region. Britain has made a very substantial contribution to that effort, including the decision to send over 15,000 servicemen to the Gulf. We have also contributed to the cost of resettling refugees and shall also contribute to the European Community's special programme of assistance to Jordan, Egypt and Turkey. But the bulk of assistance to affected countries will need to come through adjustment assistance to be given by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank and from those countries which are not participating in the military effort.
§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Prime Minister if she will list the Third world countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America 633W most seriously affected (a) by the oil price increases and (b) by the trade embargo ordered by the United Nations as a consequence of the Gulf crisis.
§ The Prime MinisterThe economies of Egypt, Jordan and Turkey have been most directly affected by Iraq's invasion of Kuwait and the consequent application of UN sanctions against Iraq.
All net oil-importing countries are being adversely affected by the increase in oil prices, but there is no single measure of which are the most seriously affected. This will depend on the source and volume of their oil imports and access to alternative energy sources, as well as on the initial strength of their economies and their ability to adjust to the new situation.