§ Mr. Gerald BowdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what account has been taken of Sri Lanka's human rights record in reaching decisions on aid.
§ Mrs. ChalkerWe announced in October 1990 that we were delaying implementation of a £3 million pledge of programme aid pending a review of all relevant factors, including Sri Lanka's human rights performance.
This review has now been carried out, and our conclusion is that, despite some encouraging steps taken by the Sri Lanka Government earlier this year, the overall satisfactory human rights situation has not improved significantly. I have therefore decided to withdraw the offer of programme aid.
Existing project aid, including technical assistance and relief activities, will continue. However, we have made it clear that any major new aid commitments will be reviewed in the light of the human rights situation.