asked the Minister of Overseas Development if she will make a statement on the outcome on the recent talks between the Bolivian Minister of Finance and officials of her Department in London.

No talks have recently been held between the Bolivian Minister of Finance and officials of my Department in London.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development if she has received any written representations about aid to the Bolivian mining industry.

I have received a number of representations about various aspects of this project and I am taking them all into account. I hope to be able to reach a decision before long.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development if she will advise Her Majesty's Ambassador in La Paz that those development projects most likely to assist the most poverty-stricken section of the Bolivian population and, if possible, any which can assist in the restoration of basic human rights will be given priority in determining British aid to Bolivia.

I can assure my hon. Friend that the emphasis in the Government's aid strategy on help for the poorest people, and the importance we attach to human rights, are well known to Her Majesty's Ambassador at La Paz.