Mr Major’s Doorstep Interview at Indore Airport – 27 January 1993

Below is the text of Mr Major’s doorstep interview at Indore Airport, held on Wednesday 27th January 1993.

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QUESTION:

Prime Minister, what is your reaction to your visit to Indore?

PRIME MINISTER:

I think it is impossible to see it without realising the scale of the problem that needs to be dealt with. But what is clear as I saw the second and improved slum dwelling is the opportunity for what could be done and also the extent to which the people living there are prepared to contribute.

QUESTION:

But do you think that more work needs to be done?

PRIME MINISTER:

I think self-evidently for a long time there is going to be a great deal more work needed to be done and that will need funds from all sorts of areas.

QUESTION:

[Inaudible].

PRIME MINISTER:

ODA have got an on-going programme for this and for other projects like this, there are 8 projects like this and a number of other ones as well, it is for that reason that our commitment to India is so large.

QUESTION:

How do you think that the funds should be utilised in the development of this colony?

PRIME MINISTER:

It seems to me from what I have seen this morning that they are being utilised very wisely, not in grandiose projects but in practical methods that will improve sanitation, improve health and improve quality of life, that is far more important than large prestige projects.

QUESTION:

Are you aware of the mis-use of funds [indistinct].

PRIME MINISTER:

We always look very carefully through the ODA at what is happening to make sure the funds are used properly, it is a constant point.

QUESTION:

Are you aware of the report?

PRIME MINISTER:

I am not aware of the report but ODA officials here will be.