§ 4. Mr. Wallasked the Minister of Overseas Development if he will make a statement on the financial assistance given by Her Majesty's Government to Swaziland on independence.
§ Mr. PrenticeFor the financial year 1968–69 we are providing, subject to Parliamentary approval where necessary, budgetary and development aid totalling £2.6 million, plus technical assistance and loans to help meet the cost of compensation payments to expatriate officials.
We intend to held talks with the Swaziland Government later this year to discuss British aid after March, 1969.
§ Mr. WallWould the right hon. Gentleman undertake that the talks will be held well before independence? Will they concern a three-year period after independence, as was the case with Botswana and Lesotho?
§ Mr. PrenticeThe dates of the talks are not yet fixed, but will be fixed in consultation with the Swaziland Government. It may be before or after independence, but this will be discussed with them. There are many other cases in which talks have been held after independence, and they have been successful. As to the duration of aid settlements, this will be discussed at the talks.