HC Deb 11 February 1965 vol 706 cc520-2
2. Mr. Peter Walker

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent United Kingdom financial and economic aid to the Colonial Territories will be increased during 1965.

20. Mr. Snow

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how much United Kingdom economic and financial assistance to Colonial Territories will be provided by 1965.

Mrs. White

On present estimates, financial and economic aid to dependent territories in 1965–66 will amount to about £40.25 million as against some £38 million in 1964–65 to the same territories.

Development aid in 1965–66 is expected to be some £3¼ million more than in 1964–65. Budgetary aid will be about £1 million less than in 1964–65 because of reduced requirements.

Mr. Walker

Could the hon. Lady say how much of that is going towards current educational services in the Colonies, and will particular attention be given to this in the next two or three years?

Mrs. White

Educational services comprise quite a large part of this, but I could not give a specific answer without a Question on the Paper.

Mr. Snow

While thanking my hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask her whether she is aware of the great pleasure felt by all of those on this side of the House at the announcement made by the hon. Member for Kettering (Sir G. de Freitas) at the United Nations when he announced the contribution of £4 million to the technical aid programme which will give great benefit to these territories?

Mrs. White

I am sure hon. Members on both sides of the House will be very glad indeed that we are making this considerably increased contribution to the Technical Assistance Fund of the United Nations.

Mr. Cordle

Is the hon. Lady able to tell us what financial aid she is able to set aside for our worthy Gambians who this day week become independent, and will she tell us who will represent the Government at the celebrations?

Mrs. White

As I think the hon. Member knows, announcements were made as to the aid to be offered to the Gambia up to July, 1967. The amount of development aid remains as previously stated. On budgetary aid, I think we may find that a little less will be required. Her Majesty's Government will be represented by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Commonwealth Relations Office.