§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to the People's Republic of China relating to policies on compulsory abortion and sterilisation of women, and birth control policy in Tibet; and what assistance is given to China's health and social services under bilateral aid programmes.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydWe regularly raise with the Chinese authorities our concern about the situation in Tibet and human rights abuses there including allegations of forced abortion. The Chinese authorities deny that forced 671W abortion is official policy. Nevertheless there are reports that such practices occur in more isolated areas. Through the United Nations population fund (UNFPA) representations have been made to Chinese authorities about our concerns on these matters.
Our bilateral aid programme is focused on the environment, energy efficiency, economic reform and management, and public administration. We are not currently involved in either of the health or social services sectors.