§ 6. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the expenditure aimed at in the expanded development programme, 1956 to 1960, for the Somaliland Protectorate; how much of this has been spent to date; and whether he is satisfied with the progress so far achieved.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe expenditure aimed at was £2,470,000; of this a total 9 amount of about £720,000 has been spent to date. The current development plan took some little time to get under way, but great strides have been made in the current financial year. This pattern was expected in a Territory lacking in natural resources and in the required materials and men. I am satisfied that there has been no unreasonable delay.
§ Mr. JohnsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Somalis themselves are not satisfied with this programme and feel that they are lagging behind the Somalis to the south in the Italian territories? Is he further aware of the stoning of the hon. Members for Edmonton (Mr. Albu) and Essex, South-East (Mr. Braine)? Would it not be a good thing to fix a target date for independence so that these Somalis can work towards their future as well as can those in Mogadishu?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThat is quite another question. The Question on the Order Paper deals with development, which I have tried to answer.