§ 6. Mr. Turtonasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he is yet in a position to 1629 announce agreement on a loan to the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland.
§ Mr. BraineNo, Sir.
§ Mr. TurtonHow does my hon. Friend explain that Answer in view of the fact that his right hon. Friend the Colonial Secretary announced ten days ago that the matter of the loan had been more or less finalised? Does he realise that this dithering on the part of the Government is holding up African housing schemes and educational plans in Southern Rhodesia? Will he press for early action in this matter?
§ Mr. BraineMy right hon. Friend is wrong in suggesting that there has been any dithering or inconsistency in the replies given to him. I answered the Question on the Order Paper. I am not yet in a position to announce the agreement of the loan to the Federation, but I hope that a decision will be made within the next two or three weeks.