HC Deb 09 July 1970 vol 803 cc825-6
16. Mr. Oram

asked the Minister of Overseas Development if he will make a statement about the resumption of aid for Tanzania.

Mr. Wood

A senior official of my Department visited Dar-es-Salaam at the end of June for discussions with the Government of Tanzania. On behalf of Her Majesty's Government, he offered a resumption of aid, including a loan for capital development and also the full range of our technical assistance. This offer was accepted. The details of our future programme will now be worked out in consultation with the Tanzanian authorities.

Mr. Oram

May I compliment the right hon. Gentleman on the coincidence that he has assumed office at a time when a particularly vexatious problem in Africa seems to have been resolved, particularly since Tanzania is a particularly aid-worthy country from the point of view of rural development? Will he assure the House that rural development will be in the forefront of his Ministry's activities, both in Tanzania and elsewhere?

Mr. Wood

I think I can give the hon. Gentleman that assurance.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Were obligations of the Tanzanian Government to officials who formerly served the British—such as Mr. Alawi, who was the subject of an earlier Question—included in the discussions with the Tanzanians?

Mr. Wood

I am afraid I cannot give a direct answer to that because I do not know the answer. I certainly see the relevance of what is in my hon. Friend's mind and I will take this question into account.