§ Mr. Edelmanasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent His Majesty's Government propose 1474W to assist the Government of the Sudan in initiating schemes for the economic development of the country.
Mr. Noel-BakerHis Majesty's Government are ready and, indeed, are anxious to help in schemes for promoting the welfare of the Sudanese people, and they have not forgotten the contribution of.the Sudan to the victory of the Allies in the war. The Government realise that the Sudan Government will be unable out of its own resources to pay for all the measures that are required, and that without financial help many schemes that are greatly needed would have to be curtailed or postponed.
As my hon. Friend is aware, grants are made to the Colonies for their development programmes under the Colonial Development and Welfare Acts; and, since His Majesty's Government have been closely associated with the administration of the Sudan, they think it appropriate that they should make a contribution towards the cost of the schemes which the Sudan will need. His Majesty's Government will, therefore, seek Parliamentary authority, by means of estimates from time to time for Grants in Aid, to provide £2 million over a period of four years. An estimate for the first payment will be laid before the House at the first convenient opportunity.