Parish of S Laurence, Frodsham
The Revd Oliver Simon
24 October 1985
The Vicarage Frodsham Warrington WA6 7DU tel (0928)33378
Dear Alastair
Having only just returned from a fascinating time in Asia, I have not been able to catch up on things here particularly the mass lobby of Parliament on Tuesday.
In a way I suppose MPs who are embarrassed about world poverty issues will be glad that the all party committee's report wasn't available on Tuesday. But from what I have heard it makes some serious criticisms about government policy, echoing a useful Guardian leader yesterday in saying that more money is needed for long term development and pointing out that Britain is falling behind its European partners. I'd be glad if you will add my concern to any debate or discussion which takes place on this. Today of all days, the 40th Anniversary of the United Nations Britain should be commiting more resources to effective aid and development programmes with less self interest than has been shown in recent years. I am glad that so many people were able to get to London to say so on Tuesday.
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while writing can I mention two other topics which I picked up on my travels:
The first concerns grants for overseas students who want to study here. It was brought home to me forcefully while in Malaysia how strongly people feel about this. I enjoyed hospitality from people who had enjoyed higher education in Britain and who had a high respect for us and our way of life. I realised how at very little cost we had sown goodwill through their educational experience here. Now there is a feeling of rejection, even bitterness at the enormous increase in fees. I am not at all convinced that Britain can provide appropriate education especially for people in much poorer countries than Malaysia. But assuming that it is helpful on educational grounds for students to come here, then it is a good way of contributing to development, very efficient in cost terms and has useful long term benefits. Others much more closely involved in this have been saying what I'm saying for a long time. I've heard it at first hand from the other end so to speak.
Secondly the question of Vietnamese and Cambodian refugees stuck in Hong Kong. As you will know they are being held in isolation on one of the islands and its essential that they be relocated as soon as possible. Hong Kong is very limited in space. I know we have problems but should we not be taking a positive interest perhaps in collaboration with the UN Commissioner for Refugees to help relieve their plight. After all Hong Kong is still crown territory.
So I hope you can prod ministers on these issues.
With best wishes,
A Goodlad Esq MP
Ass.
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