asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if it is his intention to make a grant-in-aid to the rescue teams working with earthquake victims in San Salvador; if he will use his influence to ensure that the Government of El Salvador protects the rights of victims whose houses have been destroyed, by having them replaced on their original sites, which is at present being resisted by vested land interests in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Earthquake in San Salvador.
48.
I am pleased to state that the Government have already made an allocation of £50,000 from the disaster relief fund towards relief efforts for victims of the earthquake in San Salvador. This allocation was announced three days after the earthquake struck on 10 October 1986 and was channelled through the League of Red Cross Societies for their programme of relief activities. These activities include the provision of medical and rescue services as well as the distribution of relief supplied.
The disaster relief situation in EI Salvador is being monitored and a further allocation is currently under consideration. I have no knowledge of any interference with the rights of victims to have their houses rebuilt on their original sites. Consequently I am not in a position to comment on the matter.