HL Deb 18 July 1979 vol 401 cc1421-2

2.50 p.m.

Lord SEGAL

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what financial assistance was given to the island of Dominica on its attaining independence; whether any conditions were attached to this grant; and how it has since been utilised.

Lord TREFGARNE

My Lords, Her Majesty's Government have undertaken to provide development aid to a total of £10 million for projects to be agreed between the two Governments. The first £5 million will be on grant terms. So far £500,000 has been spent, much of it on projects agreed before independence; 19 new projects have been approved. Special financial assistance in support of Dominica's budget was also approved, tapering to nothing after three years. So far, 2.5 million Eastern Caribbean dollars equalling £457,000, has been paid, and a maximum of three million EC dollars is to be provided over the next two years.

Lord SEGAL

My Lords, I should like to thank the Minister for that reply. Is the noble Lord aware that in its eight and a half months of independence the Commonwealth of Dominica has had four Presidents; an Attorney-General and Finance Minister arrested on criminal charges; a Prime Minister deserted by the whole of his cabinet; and outbreaks of riots, looting, arson and strikes have continued during the whole of the past three months? Is not the British taxpayer entitled to some degree of accountability as to where some part of his £10 million has gone ? What will the Government do about it?

Lord TREFGARNE

My Lords, your Lordships may be assured that we keep a very close eye on the political situations in all countries where we grant aid of any sort. We are satisfied that the aid granted in this case has been properly accounted for.

Lord SEGAL

My Lords, in view of the fact that the Finance Minister has been arrested on a charge of taking funds on false pretences from the island's treasury, can the noble Lord give an assurance that no part of this £10 million has gone into the pockets of private politicians instead of, as was intended, for the benefit of the people of Dominica as a whole ?

Lord TREFGARNE

My Lords, the noble Lord and the House may be assured that we take proper steps to see that the money we provide is used for the purposes for which it is intended.

Lord SEGAL

My Lords, can the noble Lord say whether the Government have received a report on the various malpractices that have occurred in the treasury of the Commonwealth of Dominica? Would it not be wise for the Government to send a British representative to ascertain accurately the facts as to where a great part of this money has already gone?

Lord TREFGARNE

My Lords, we have permanent representation in all countries of this nature through our High Commissioners.