§ 23. Dr. John Dunwoodyasked the Minister of Overseas Developement what are the functions of the Crown Agents in providing overseas aid.
§ Mr. PrenticeThe Crown Agents do not themselves provide overseas aid. They provide purchasing and shipping services for their overseas principals, and these services often relate to goods and equipment supplied under British Government aid. The Crown Agents also act as Agents for the British Government where aid funds are used for gifts of British goods and equipment.
§ Dr. DunwoodyDoes not my hon. Friend agree that the very valuable work which the Crown Agents do in this field may well be damaged in the future if they continue to act as intermediaries in the supply of arms to the Nigerian Federal Government, many of those arms coming from foreign sources and being provided at the rate of about £1 million worth a month? Will he do all that he can to stop that?
§ Mr. PrenticeAs I have explained, the Crown Agents act as agents for overseas Governments in purchases of many kinds. The policy of Her Majesty's Government on the shipment of arms was explained to the House by the Prime Minister on 16 th May and by the Commonwealth Secretary on 21st May.