HC Deb 16 March 1967 vol 743 cc698-9
22. Sir F. Bennett

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what is his estimate of economic aid to Lesotho, Botswana and Malawi for the financial year 1966–67.

Mr. Oram

The latest estimates are. respectively, £4.4 million, £5 million and £9.7 million.

Sir F. Bennett

Are these figures accepted by the countries concerned as being reasonable? Secondly, what steps are being taken to correlate this aid with the aid which the Union of South Africa is giving, in view of the excellent relations which are now developing between the four countries concerned and the Union, relations which I am sure the hon. Gentleman will admire as an example of how not to let political differences interfere with economic co-operation?

Mr. Oram

We habitually find that recipient countries would always wish for more than we are able to provide, but I think that they are reasonable about accepting that this is the maximum which we can manage. We regard the aid which they are receiving from South Africa as a matter which they have to undertake for themselves.

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