§ 12. Mr. GardinerTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with the UK construction industry about making a trade visit to Gujarat to investigate how British companies may participate in the rebuilding programme there. [149013]
§ Mr. CabornThere is still an emergency in Gujarat. The immediate priority is to ensure that the needs of the survivors for food, shelter and medical assistance are met. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development has established an emergency assistance allocation of £10 million. Future planning for reconstruction of the affected area is essential and can begin once the requirements have been fully assessed. At this stage, it would be premature for the Government to promote commercial visits by UK construction companies, but we are keeping the situation under review, including through our small commercial team based in Ahmedabad, and are in close touch with the Indian authorities about their future requirements.