§ 27. Mr. Tilneyasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he will make a statement concerning his recent discussions with representatives from the Republic of Ghana.
§ Mr. BottomleyHer Majesty's Government and other Western creditor Governments took part in a meeting with representatives of the Republic of Ghana on 1st and 2nd June. The meeting was of an exploratory nature and representatives of the creditors Governments undertook to report to their Governments that, in view of the grave economic situation confronting Ghana, the Ghana Government considered a temporary suspension of the service of the medium term debt to he essential. The creditor countries noted Ghana's assurance of her intention to pay her debts in full as soon as possible. Her Majesty's Government undertook to call a further meeting in due course.
§ Mr. TilneyNow that Ghana has a sensible and sane Government, would Her Majesty's Government do all they can to help Ghana over her present and, we hope, temporary financial difficulties?
§ Mr. BottomleyMatters concerning aid are, of course, for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Overseas Development. However, the hon. Gentleman may be aware of the announcement made last week, stating:
The British Government have agreed that approximately £3.4 million undrawn balance of the £5 million loan offered to Ghana in 1962 for the Volta Dam project should be applied to electricity distribution schemes connected with the Volta project. The detailed arrangements will be discussed shortly between the two Governments.