§ 10. Mr. Brooksasked the Minister of Overseas Development what requests she has received from the Government of Guyana for financial and technical assistance to improve the health and educational conditions of the Amerindian population of that country; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mrs. HartSince independence the Guyana Government has made five requests for British financial assistance specifically aimed at improving conditions amongst the Amerindian community. We have agreed to meet all those requests, which have included provision for hostels, roads, housing, agriculture and agricultural education. The total cost is £153,000.
§ Mr. BrooksWhile I thank my right hon. Friend for that encouraging reply, does she agree that the situation of the indigenous Indian population of the whole continent is now one of gravity as the interior is opened up? Does she not agree that, however exaggerated reports of brutality against the Amerindian population may have been, a great deal of work remains to be done if these 673 people are to stand a chance of contributing fully to their country in the future?
§ Mrs. HartI am sure that my hon. Friend is aware that the Guyana Government are making considerable efforts to assist on this. They are anxious to achieve integration with the other people of the country. I am glad that we have been able to help. We are willing to consider requests coming to us in the normal way from the Government of Guyana.