§ 10. Mr. Fisherasked the Minister of Overseas Development whether he will make a financial contribution towards the construction of a national highway along the shore of Lake Malawi.
§ Mr. OramThe Malawi Government have asked for part of the British development aid promised for 1966–68 to be devoted to the reconstruction of a section of the lakeshore road between Benga and Nkota Kota. This request is under consideration.
§ Mr. FisherI appreciate that our aid to Malawi is already very generous, but in considering this matter would the hon. Gentleman acknowledge that internal road communications in Malawi are very poor and that therefore this project is of great importance to them and one which 690 we should assist in developing if we can? Does he agree that it is sometimes a good idea to help our friends rather than those opposed to British policies?
§ Mr. OramWe are looking most sympathetically and closely at this request, but it must be assessed in relation to the general economic benefits that will result from the road and its relation to the road system as a whole.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterIn considering this, will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind the responsible way in which the Government of Malawi are carrying on, and that for that reason, the country offers real opportunities for investment?