HC Deb 02 February 1967 vol 740 cc753-4
19. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what is the total amount of United Kingdom aid given to Rhodesia, apart from the contribution to the University College in Salisbury; and for what purposes it was granted.

Mr. Bottomley

Since 1953 loans totalling £4,855,000 have been made for African housing and education and for general development; and grants of £6,569,000 have been given, of which £4 million was to help Rhodesia with her share of the ex-Federal public debt and the balance mainly for capital development at the University College. These figures do not include the payments which are still being made to the University College in support of its recurrent costs.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Is it not then the case that standards of living and social services which compare favourably with nearly every other part of Africa have been achieved in Rhodesia by the efforts of all races in that country, with very little help from the United Kingdom?

Mr. Bottomley

I think that the hon. Gentleman recognises that, because of the economic development in Rhodesia, there has not been the same need for the help given in other parts of Africa. The quarrel with Rhodesia is not about its economic development but its constitutional form.

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