HC Deb 19 February 1970 vol 796 cc578-9
38. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Overseas Development whether she will enter into discussions on the future development of aid to Lesotho.

26. Mr. Wall

asked the Minister of Overseas Development if she will make a statement about aid to Lesotho.

31. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Minister of Overseas Development whether she will make a statement about the future of aid to Lesotho.

Mrs. Hart

We are examining the whole question of British/Lesotho relations following recent events in Lesotho. Our review naturally includes the future of our aid programme, on which no decision has yet been taken. It follows from this that the British Government's offer of future aid to take effect from 1st April next, which had not been formally accepted by the Lesotho Government prior to recent events, must be regarded as suspended until the general situation has been clarified. The question of discussions does not, therefore, arise at present.

Mr. Blenkinsop

While I understand the difficulties of the situation, does not my right hon. Friend agree that the sudden ending of aid to Lesotho would be extremely damaging to the people of that country? Will she also agree that there is a need for discussion with other African States?

Mrs. Hart

There is, as my hon. Friend will appreciate, quite a lot of contact going on with other people about this. It is a very difficult question, but we feel it is right not to take any further steps involving the new provision of aid until we can see how the situation is clarified.

Mr. Braine

While I fully recognise the delicacy of the present situation, may I ask the right hon. Lady if she is aware that the United Kingdom budgetary aid at the moment accounts for about half of all the budgetary resources available to Lesotho, and any withholding of that aid may have dire consequences for that country, and not merely economic consequences? Will she tell the House when we may have a statement on the subject?

Mrs. Hart

I cannot give an undertaking exactly when. So much is dependent on how the situation resolves itself in Lesotho and exactly how long it takes to do so. It is my hope that the situation will so resolve itself that we may resume our discussions on aid with Lesotho without any anxieties in our mind.