§ 6. Dame Joan Vickersasked the Minister of Overseas Development what money has been allocated to the still dependent territories, and for what projects, in 1966.
§ Mr. BottomleyAbout £28 million. This includes budgetary aid, development grants and loans, technical assistance and C.D.C. investment.
§ Dame Joan VickersI thank the right hon. Gentleman. Does not he think it very important to see that the territories that are still dependent on us, and therefore cannot ask us personally for aid, are well equipped for the time they become independent? We are, after all, facing this difficulty at the present time, when territories in the West Indies are getting independence without being properly equipped.
§ Mr. BottomleyI am conscious of the importance of this matter. My right hon. Friend the Commonwealth Secretary and I are in constant touch.
§ Mr. WoodWhen will it be possible to make the statement foreshadowed by the Minister of State, Commonwealth Affairs, on Second Reading of the West Indies Bill on Monday about continued assistance to the Leeward and Windward Islands after their new associated status takes effect?
§ Mr. BottomleyWe have never shirked our responsibilities to dependent territories both before and after independence.