South Vietnam (Assistance)

Oral Answers to Questions — Overseas Development – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 29 February 1968.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Mr Philip Goodhart Mr Philip Goodhart , Beckenham 12:00, 29 February 1968

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what assistance has been sent to Vietnam by his Department since the escalation of the fighting.

Photo of Mr Reginald Prentice Mr Reginald Prentice , East Ham North

As the list of supplies and equipment is rather long, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. One additional nurse joined the medical team in Saigon on 21st February.

Photo of Mr Philip Goodhart Mr Philip Goodhart , Beckenham

I would thank the Minister for his personal interest in Vietnam. Will he remember that both West Germany and Japan are doing ten times as much as we are to relieve civilian suffering in South Vietnam? Will he press his colleagues to let him be more generous?

Photo of Mr Reginald Prentice Mr Reginald Prentice , East Ham North

The emergency aid which we are giving is gratefully appreciated in South Vietnam, and our supplies were among the earliest to reach Saigon. We are doing something of value here. In reply to a later Question. I will give details of our future intentions.

Photo of Mr Elystan Morgan Mr Elystan Morgan , Cardiganshire

Has an adequate amount of aid been sent to North Vietnam? Would my right hon. Friend not agree that this would be coincident with our position as co-Chairman of the Geneva Conference and conducive to the cause of peace?

Photo of Mr Reginald Prentice Mr Reginald Prentice , East Ham North

We normally respond to requests for aid from countries concerned. We have had no such request from North Vietnam, but if one were received we should, of course, consider it.

Following is the information:

Details of Medical Supplies and Equipment supplied to South Vietnam In February, 1968.

Vaccines

  • 51,000 units plague.
  • 10,000 units cholera.
  • 10,000 units TAB.

Blood plasma

200 bottles 400 c.c. blood plasma and suitable quantities of dextrose in water and distilled water.

Antibiotics

  • 40,000 streptotriad tablets.
  • 20,000 chloroamphenicol tablets.
  • 30,000 neomycin tablets.
  • 10,000 penicillin tablets, etc. etc.

Other items

  • 1–1 ton lorry.
  • 1–1 ton ambulance fully equipped with drugs, dressing, instruments, etc.
  • 1–3 ton truck with trailer.
  • 6 Refrigerators (for vaccines).
  • 1–3·5 emergency generator and spares.
  • 1 Autoclave (non-electric).
  • 1 Walkie Talkie apparatus.
  • 1 Rotary pump.
  • 400 lb. D.D.T.
  • 280 lb. Chlorine.
  • 100,000 water purification tablets.
  • Latrine disinfectants.
  • Miscellaneous replacement supplies (surgical dressings and drugs).