asked the Lord Privy Seal what requests have been received from the Government of Pakistan and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for assistance in the relief of fugitives from Afghanistan: and if he will make a statement.

No request has been received from the Government of Pakistan.The United Nations High Commissioner's general programme budget includes provision for assistance to Afghan refugees in Pakistan. The United Kingdom has contributed to the 1979 budget and intends to contribute to that for 1980.We also make substantial contributions to the world food programme and the United Nations children's fund, both of which are helping to ease the plight of the Afghan refugees.