HC Deb 21 October 1954 vol 531 cc1353-4
2. Mr. Hale

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what assistance is at present being received from United Nations technical assistance or from other United Nations agencies, in Bechuanaland, Basutoland and Swaziland, respectively.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

The Administrations of the three territories are aware of the opportunities for assistance provided by United Nations agencies. Applications for assistance have been made to the World Health Organisation and to the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, of which two have been accepted and three are under consideration.

I am circulating details in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Hale

I am much obliged to the hon. Gentleman, but as his colleague, the

APPLICATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE FROM UNITED NATIONS AGENCIES SUBMITTED BY THE HIGH COMMISSION TERRITORIES
Territory Project Assistance sought Remarks
W.H.O.
Bechuanaland Protectorate Yaws campaign 1 Doctor Supplies and equipment provided by U.N.I.C.E.F.
Bechuanaland Protectorate Tsetse control survey 1 Consultant Application under consideration by W.H.O.
Basutoland Tuberculosis survey and control campaign. Doctors, Nurses, Equipment and Supplies. Application under consideration by W.H.O.
Basutoland Nutrition survey and control campaign. 2 Doctors, 1 Nurse Application under consideration by W.H.O.
U.N.I.C.E.F.
Basutoland Vaccination campaign against diphtheria and whooping cough. Transport and Supplies Application accepted.

In addition, two W.H.O. fellowships have been awarded for studies in the medical field to officers in the service of the Bechuanaland Protectorate Administration.

Minister of State for Colonial Affairs, told the House yesterday that every attempt was being made to utilise these agencies in Africa, while the United Nations Report makes it clear that virtually nothing has been done in Bechuanaland in connection with those agencies, will he take steps to see that it is constantly encouraged? Will he bear in mind that the only expert in Bechuanaland in connection with the Colonial Development Corporation is being sued for damages for £600,000 for not being sufficiently expert?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

I shall certainly see that every step is taken to get assistance from the United Nations agencies, but I would remind the House that all three territories receive generous assistance from Colonial Development Corporation funds.

Mr. Osborne

Can my hon. Friend confirm that the United States provides 15s. out of every £ given to United Nations assistance funds?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

Not without notice, but the United States do certainly provide very generous assistance.

Miss Lee

Would it not be in keeping with the principles of the United Nations if Seretse Khama were returned to Bechuanaland and, if he were returned, would it not be a contribution towards seeing that economic affairs there were put in better order?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

That is a quite different question.

Following are the details: