§ Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps are being taken to ensue that(a) British aid for Sri Lanka designated for the north and the east of the island is able to get through; and (b) aid is used for the rehabilitation of refugees and repair of the infrastructure. [16755]
§ Mr. Baldry[holding answer 3 April 1995]: UK aid for the north and east is being delivered as intended. A consignment of medical equipment was delivered to Jaffna hospital at the end of last year and equipment for the University of Jaffna is due to arrive there this week. UK support for the relief and rehabilitation of displaced communities from the north and east is managed by Oxfam and the Save the Children fund using local Sri Lankan non-governmental organisations. Contributions have additionally been made through the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
§ Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he had with the Government of Sri Lanka about the restoration of transport systems, gas and electricity supplies for the whole country and about the lifting of the economic embargo by the Sri Lankans on food and medicines. [16756]
§ Mr. Baldry[holding answer 3 April 1995]: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, was briefed on the peace process, including relief measures for the people of 1016W Jaffna, by President Kumaratunga when she visited London in March. Many items have been removed from the embargo list. Food and medicines are not on the list. We have said that the British Government could offer consultancy assistance regarding power reconstruction requirements for Jaffna to help identify the scope of work likely to be necessary.