§ 76. Mr. EMMOTTasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the recent grant made to the administration of Bechunanaland by the Union Government of South Africa was by way of loan or of a grant in aid; whether any conditions were attached to the grant; and whether, if a loan, the liability for repayment is upon the administration of Bechuanaland or upon the home Government?
The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. Malcom MacDonald)The intention was that the assistance offered by the Union Government should take the form of an unconditional free grant.
§ 78. Mr. LENNOX-BOYDasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what amount of money has been advanced by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom by way of loan or other wise to the South African Protectorates of Bechuanaland, Swaziland, and Basutoland in the last 10 years?
Mr. MacDONALDThe total assistance granted by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom to these territories during the period in question is £683,925, of which £82,925 represents grants or loans from the Colonial Development Fund.
§ Mr. LENNOX-BOYDBearing in mind a previous answer, that grants from South Africa to the Protectorates would enable works to be undertaken which would not otherwise be undertaken, why could not a small grant of that kind be added to our grant so that we should no longer be under an obligation to South Africa?
§ 79. Mr. CARTLANDasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the recent grant of money made by the Government of South Africa to wards the cost of the administration or development of the South African Protectorates will in any way limit the freedom of His Majesty's Government in the 1178 United Kingdom to decide the question of the future administration of these territories?
Mr. MacDONALDAs I stated in reply to questions on 28th April, the assistance which has been offered by His Majesty's Government in the Union of South Africa towards the cost of certain development schemes in the High Commission Territories does not alter the pledges which His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom have given concerning the question of the transfer of the territories.
Captain CAZALETHas the right hon. Gentleman seen the report of General Hertzog's speech, and is it correct or not?
Mr. MacDONALDI could not say whether the report that appeared in this country is correct or not, but I can say that the policy of the Government in the matter has not altered.