§ 13. Mr. Juddasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the scale of immediate famine relief being provided by Her Majesty's Government to Bechuanaland; and what is the scale of capital investment being provided to diminish the likelihood of recurrent water shortages in future.
§ Mr. Frederick Lee£458,000 was provided in 1965–66 and approval has been given for expenditure of over £1.1 million in the current financial year on the human and cattle feeding programmes. In addition, since the onset of the famine early last year, Colonial Development and Welfare grants totalling £245,000 and an Exchequer loan of £150,000 have been approved for projects associated with famine relief.
Estimated total expenditure on improving water supplies, including capital expenditure, will be about £1 million in the two-year period 1965–67.
§ Mr. JuddWould not my right hon. Friend agree that if we are to give substance to independence for Bechuanaland this year, considerable capital investment is essential? Is he satisfied that capital investment is being put to the best use for the country as a whole?