§ 1. Mr. Leslie Haleasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he will make a full and detailed statement of the progress now being made with the South-Eastern Asia Development Plan originated at the Colombo Conference; and to what extent the pursuance of this plan will be affected by the decisions of the Conference of Commonwealth Finance Ministers.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (Mr. John Foster)A meeting of the Consultative Committee of the Colombo Plan for cooperative development in South and South-East Asia is being held in Karachi in ten days' time. Most of the delegations will be led by ministers. It is expected that a report will subsequently be published which, among other things, will set out in detail the progress which has been made to date on the programmes of the individual countries concerned. Full and detailed information on such progress is not at 1538 the moment available in the United Kingdom; I understand, however, that many of the projects included in the programmes are now under way. As the hon. Member is aware, the communiqué issued at the conclusion of the Finance Ministers' meeting emphasised the need for developing the productive power of the sterling area.
§ Mr. HaleWith respect, does the hon. and learned Gentleman think that that is a reply to the Question? Surely it is known whether the proposals made at the Colombo Conference are being carried out—[Interruption.] I hear an interjection that they cannot be, and that is what we suspect. We are entitled to know, and would the hon. and learned Member tell us why Her Majesty's Government are not aware of the progress which has been made up to now?
§ Mr. FosterI said that full and detailed information was not available in the United Kingdom, but at the moment a delegation is considering the whole matter in Karachi.
§ Sir Herbert WilliamsMay I ask my hon. and learned Friend who will provide all the money for this ambitious project?
§ Mr. FosterThat is another question.