§ 15. Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Minister of Overseas Development what is the total of aid to Zambia in the 714 present financial year, excluding defence aid and contingency planning assistance.
§ Mr. BottomleyTotal expenditure, with the exceptions mentioned, is expected to amount to about £3,800,000.
§ Mr. DigbyIs this expenditure subject to any conditions as to buying in the United Kingdom? Does this mean that our subventions at the moment through Zambia are of the order of £20 million taking all three categories into account?
§ Mr. BottomleyIn subventions generally for which my aid Ministry is responsible the major item is about £2,500,000 towards the cost of expatriate staff. On the other point the Commonwealth Office would, I am sure, be prepared to give an answer to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonIn considering the matter of aid to Zambia, will the right hon. Gentleman keep in mind first the very noticeable tendency of the Zambian authorities to turn elsewhere for their purchases and, secondly, that British subjects are being detained without trial and in very doubtful circumstances indeed?
§ Mr. BottomleyThat, again, I suggest is a matter for the Commonwealth Secretary.