§ 28. Mr. David Steelasked the Minister for Overseas Development if he will supply funds for the development of agriculture in Namibia.
§ Mr. PrenticeI hope agriculture and rural development would have high priority in any British aid programme provided to Namibia after it attains its independence. I expect that agriculture will feature in our small bilateral training programme for Namibians living outside Namibia.
§ Mr. SteelDoes the Minister agree that some help in the meantime might be a practical way of assisting the United Nations Council in Namibia, particularly in the light of the General Assembly's resolution establishing a fund for the country?
§ Mr. PrenticeThe only practical help that we can give in the meantime, which is on a very limited scale, is training for Namibians living outside Namibia. If the hon. Member is suggesting a bilateral aid agreement with Namibia, that would have to await independence. It could be done only on a Government-to-Government basis.