HC Deb 19 July 1982 vol 28 cc18-20
49. Mr. Bowen Wells

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will consider further assistance to the Governments of Jamaica and the Windward and Leeward Islands.

Mr. Neil Marten

A new loan of £2.5 million has been agreed for Jamaica for 1982–83. We have recently provided £500,000 for the provision of fertiliser and other inputs primarily directed to help small banana growers in the Windward Islands. By the end of 1982 more than £6 million of British aid will have been provided in support of a five-year Windward Islands banana development programme.

Mr. Wells

I congratulate my right hon. Friend on his constructive and helpful reply. Will he add to the package of finance an expression of recognition of the fact that it is necessary to increase management control in Jamaica and on the Leeward and Windward Islands, especially in the banana industry? Can he help in any way?

Mr. Marten

Yes. We are helping in the management of the banana industry, and we have sent representatives to help the islands in that respect.