§ 30. Mr. Dodds-Parkerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what additional aid is to be given to the Turks and Caicos Islands, particularly for infrastructure, following the visit of the Minister of State.
§ Mr. WoodAn outline development plan is being prepared by consultants under British technical assistance arrangements. This advice will have a bearing on the future level of aid, but in any case I expect to increase it.
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerAs I found on a recent visit to the still dependent territories how much the islanders appreciated my right hon. Friend's visit and his extension of the aid which was started by 23 the previous Government, may I urge my right hon. Friend, on the basis of my own commercial experience, that without permanent sea and air communications there can be no proper development of these islands? Will he redouble his efforts to ensure that there are permanent sea and air communications before long?
§ Mr. WoodMy right hon. Friend will be grateful for what my hon. Friend has said. As for the future, I am awaiting the report of the consultants, and, obviously, this is a very important aspect of it.