HC Deb 25 June 1952 vol 502 cc2232-3
21. Mr. T. Reid

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what British grants-in-aid have been expended on Libya since the end of the war; and what financial commitments Britain has undertaken in respect to future deficits in the Libyan budgets.

Mr. Nutting

From the occupation of the ex-Italian colonies in North Africa by the Allies in 1943 until the end of 1951, the total amount of the grants-in-aid made by Her Majesty's Government to Libya was £8,600,000. This was made up of £5,650,000 to Cyrenaica and £2,950,000 to Tripolitania. From 24th December, 1951, when the independent Kingdom of Libya came into being, until 31st March, 1952, a grant-in-aid of £110,000 was made.

For the financial year 1952–53 the grant-in-aid amounts to £1,500,000 under the conditions of a temporary Financial Agreement signed on 13th December, 1951.

Mr. Reid

In view of the large sums spent in trying to buttress up this new territory, has any provision been made for its future defence, as it has very great strategic importance? Are the rulers of Libya willing to give any bases or any other help for the protection of their interests and our interests in the Middle East?

Mr. Nutting

The matter is now under discussion. I very much hope that such defence arrangements will be arrived at.