HC Deb 11 April 1968 vol 762 cc1565-6
13. Mr. James Johnson

asked the Minister of Overseas Development if he will make a statement on British aid to the Republic of Somalia.

Mr. Prentice

During the recent visit of the Prime Minister it was agreed in principle that some technical assistance would be made available to the Government of Somalia. Details have not yet been worked out, but an officer of my Ministry is shortly visiting Somalia for discussions.

Mr. Johnson

Is my right hon. Friend aware that he may find himself in a cleft stick over the financial limit of £205 million overall? Is he aware of the need for space to manoeuvre, as it were, in this matter and will he consider some of the schemes in the former British Somaliland; for example, that for improving water supplies to the old capital of Hargeisa?

Mr. Prentice

In view of the tightness of the financial situation, I have had to make the decision that we could not do anything at the moment for Somali in terms of capital aid. However, we can do a great deal in terms of technical assistance and, to plan that effectively, one of my officers will shortly be going to the country.