§ 3. Mr. Martenasked the Minister of Overseas Development whether he has now made a further allocation of funds for the British Virgin Islands; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Overseas Development (Mr. Albert E. Oram)I understand the need to make the new Colonial Development and Welfare allocations for 1968 to 1970 as early as possible, but I cannot say at present when we shall be able to do this.
§ Mr. MartenDoes the Minister realise that if more investment could possibly go into the British Virgin Islands—and I recognise the Government's difficulties here—it would make the islands much more viable and they would not need further aid? Secondly, will he inform the Chancellor that the British Virgin Islands would be great dollar earners if we put the necessary investment into them?
§ Mr. OramI am sure that my right hon. Friend is aware of the second part of that supplementary question. As to the first part, I agree that our objective is to get the islands in a state of viable economy as soon as possible.