§ 34. Mr. Nelsonasked the Minister of Overseas Development whether she has had discussions with the United States Government on the size and origin of international aid to East Caribbean Associated States including those newly independent countries in that region.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Overseas Development (Mr. John Tomlinson)My right hon. Friend is in regular contact with the United States and other donors on the framework of the Caribbean Group for Co-operation in Economic Development, which takes into account the aid needs of the Eastern Caribbean.
§ Mr. NelsonI thank the Minister for that reply. Does he agree that the United States has expressed interest and could make a major contribution to the development of the East Caribbean; that, in view of the increasing number of Associated States receiving their independence from Britain, there is a continuing need, even in the vacuum of decolonisation, for such assistance; and that we have a responsibility to encourage the Americans to play their part?
§ Mr. TomlinsonI entirely agree. In the post-independence period we are not ignoring our responsibilities. For example we have already committed £10 million each to Dominica, St. Lucia and St. Vincent for project aid after independence.
With regard to what the hon. Gentleman said about the role of the United States, there has been a preparatory meeting in Washington at which my right hon. Friend was represented. We hope that a further meeting of the consultative group will take place in June, in which no doubt the United States will play its full part.