§ 29. Mr. Philip Noel-Bakerasked the Minister of Overseas Development what is the total amount of British aid to Kenya, including the amount promised by the four-year farm project.
§ Mrs. CastleThe estimated total disbursement of financial aid to Kenya during the four-year period beginning in April, 1966, is £29 million, including the £18 million for land purchase and other development recently announced, and £11 million from existing commitments. This sum does not include technical assistance, or whatever may be made available for the purchase of farms on compassionate grounds.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerCan my right hon. Friend confirm that in the past the money allocated to these purposes has not always been fully spent within the period for which it was allocated? Can she assure us that the money she now promises will be fully spent in the four years ahead?
§ Mrs. CastleYes, Sir. It is true that disbursements have not always matched commitments. In fact, they have lagged far behind and that is why we have an £11 million carry-over. In our negotiations with the Kenya Government I stressed to them that the offer which I was making was for sums to be disbursed and not committed on paper. It is the policy of my Ministry to secure actual disbursements and not merely paper commitments.