§ 8. Mr. Juddasked the Minister of Overseas Development what was the value of Great Britain's capital assistance, technical assistance and budgetary assistance to Botswana and Swaziland in 1969–70; what is the estimate for 1970–71; when she will terminate budgetary assistance; and whether she will make a statement.
§ Mrs. HartIn 1969–70 our development aid, budgetary aid, and technical assistance to Botswana amounted in rounded figures to£ 6.1 million, and to Swaziland £3.5 million. The estimate for 1970–71 is, respectively, £ 4.6 million and £2.4 million. Budgetary aid to Swaziland ended in 1969–70 and in the case of Botswana is expected to finish at the end of 1971–72.
§ Mr. JuddWill my right hon. Friend accept that we all cheer the ending of the need for budgetary assistance to these two territories, but, because of the general 608 political situation in that part of the world, there is widespread feeling on this side of the House that Botswana and Swaziland should continue to receive high priority in the Government's aid development programme?
§ Mrs. HartYes, and I can assure my hon. Friend they will continue to do so. He will appreciate that the reduction in the level of our aid is a consequence of the increased revenue that both countries are receiving under their new Customs agreement with South Africa, but we fully intend to do whatever we can for both countries.