HC Deb 27 April 1961 vol 639 cc595-6
1. Mr. Boyden

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what message of good will he has sent the Sierra Leone Government this day.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (Mr. Bernard Braine)

My right hon. Friend is at present in Freetown. I am obtaining the text of the message which he is conveying personally to the Government of Sierra Leone, and will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has also sent a cordial message of congratulations, and I feel sure that the House will wish to associate itself with it.

Mr. Boyden

While thanking the Minister for that announcement, may I ask him whether his right hon. Friend is, in fact, negotiating any economic aid or assistance with the Government of Sierra Leone at the moment, and what the order of it might be?

Mr. Braine

That, Sir, is quite another question.