§ 3. Mr Pavittasked the Secretary for Technical Co-operation what plans he has made to give technical assistance to the Gambia.
§ Mr. VosperTechnical assistance is being given to the Gambia in the form of education, training, and in research as well as by the provision of officials under the Overseas Service Aid Scheme. The advisory and recruitment services of my Department are also available to the Government of the Gambia on request.
§ Mr. PavittIs the Minister aware that when the Gambia becomes independent it will be extremely difficult to maintain its economic strength unless some radical help is given from overseas and that it rests entirely on the groundnut industry? Will the right hon. Gentleman do all he can to ensure that when it becomes independent it is a viable economic unit?
§ Mr. VosperYes. At the moment, of course, the Gambia is financially assisted principally under the Colonial Development and Welfare Acts, but in the event of independence it would be subject to a technical assistance agreement. I agree with what the hon. Gentleman has said.