§ 21. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what approaches have been made to Her Majesty's Government by the Government of Rhodesia and Nyasaland for financial aid; and, in view of the need of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland for cheap money and interest-free loans to aid economic development there, if he will state the policy and plans of Her Majesty's Government in this matter.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (Commander Allan Noble)The Federal Government and, before its establishment, the Governments of Southern and Northern Rhodesia, have been able to borrow on a substantial scale on the London market. We are in close and continuous contact with the Federal Government, and we are of course anxious to give the Federation all the help we can consistent with our own financial situation and the many other calls upon us. In addition, there is provision for access as appropriate to United Kingdom Government funds under the Colonial Development and Welfare Acts and from the Colonial Development Corporation. There is also an important flow of private investment.
§ Mr. HughesI thank the Minister for that Answer, but does he not agree that Britain's policy in dealing with the independent realms within the Commonwealth should be no less forthcoming than her policy in dealing with other territories which are not so closely related to us?
§ Commander NobleIn answer to that, I think I may say that during the last five years the Federal and territorial Governments have raised over £50 million 2293 on the London market, and have been authorised to receive £8½ million under the Colonial Development and Welfare Acts and £6 million from the Colonial Development Corporation. I do not think that that is an insignificant contribution from this country.