1. Earl of Dalkeithasked the Minister of Overseas Development what financial aid was made available through Exchequer sources to the Windward Islands in 1969; and what percentage this represents of the total amount requested.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Overseas Development (Mr. Ben Whitaker)In 1969, the four islands received development aid of £1,124,000 and budgetary aid of £1,119,000. Technical assistance and research grants amounting to £300,000 were also made available, and the islands also benefited from various regional schemes supported by Her Majesty's Government. In addition, the Commonwealth Development Corporation invested nearly £400,000.
The second part of the Question does not arise, because the amount of budgetary aid is settled in discussion with the Government concerned, and requests for other forms of aid are made within the total of the sums allocated to the particular island.
Earl of DalkeithCan the hon. Gentleman give any indication of the sort of progress which the Windwards are making individually and collectively towards becoming viable units on the basis of the amount of financial resources we are giving to them at present?
§ Mr. WhitakerAdditional aid was granted following the visit of my noble Friend Lord Shepherd in December. The progress in Dominica, St. Vincent and 562 Grenada and St. Lucia varies according to each island, but we are glad to help the infrastructure projects, particularly roads, schools, police buildings and equipment.