§ 24. Dame Joan Vickersasked the Minister for Overseas Development what projects are in hand or are being considered by his Department in British Honduras.
§ Mr. OramWe are at present supporting 16 projects in British Honduras at a cost, in loans and C.D. & W. grants of £5,370,000. I am, with permission, circulating details in the OFFICIAL REPORT. These do not include technical assistance. The new capital and the airport axe taking up a large proportion of the funds available for British Honduras, but a further 15 projects, costing over £400,000, are under consideration either in London or by the Development Division in Barbados. These include schemes for developing agriculture and for improving educational and medical facilities.
§ Dame Joan VickersWhile thanking the hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask whether he will be certain to see that all these projects are advanced before independence, so that there can be a good start made? Is he aware that this is a very peaceful and loyal country, deserving every support?
§ Mr. OramI agree with the hon. Lady about the importance of advancing these projects. There has been some delay in the development of the new capital city, but we hope that further progress can be made soon.
§ Mr. James JohnsonIn view of the behaviour of Guatemala next door, and 1651 her desire to annexe this colony before independence, will the hon. Gentleman do his best to see that it becomes much more stable, and has a much firmer and more viable economy?
§ Mr. OramOne of the main purposes of development aid is to provide the stability to which my hon. Friend refers. The question about the political relationship is not for my Department.
§ Following is the information:
| Projects | Approved Grant |
| £ | |
| Road to Crooked Tree | 72,250 |
| Education, technical and vocational | 21,320 |
| Environmental sanitation | 39,735 |
| Training abroad | 68,240 |
| Training courses—private | 11,093 |
| New capital | 3,100,000 |
| Belize Teachers' College | 76,703 |
| Rice development scheme | 8,856 |
| Classroom for mentally retarded children | 3,750 |
| Primary education | 46,210 |
| Secondary education | 61,283 |
| Junior secondary schools | 65,862 |
| Land drainage | 3,785 |
| Belize International Airport | 526,032 |
| Urban water supplies | 30,000 |
| Sewerage disposal, Belize City | 12,500 |
| 4,147,619 | |
| Loan for Belize Airport | 200,000 |
| Loan for new capital | 1,025,000 |
| 5,372,619 |