HC Deb 14 February 1956 vol 548 cc249-50W
Mr. Russell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is Her Majesty's Government's total contribution towards the health, education, and other services in the Trucial States during the current financial year; and what improvements are being made in these services as a result.

Major Lloyd-George

The following is the answer:

Mr. Dodds-Parker

Although the internal affairs of the Trucial States are the responsibility of the Ruler concerned, a total contribution by Her Majesty's Government of £25,000 towards health and other services in these States was provided for in the Foreign Office Grants and Service Vote, 1955–56. The Supplementary Estimates presented in February, 1956, provided for the allocation of a further £9,420 for the same purpose.

This money has been allocated for schemes for:

  1. (i) well drilling;
  2. (ii) agricultural trials and the improvement of agricultural methods;
  3. (iii) the improvement of irrigation works;
  4. (iv) the expansion and modernisation of the hospital at Dubai;
  5. (v) a survey of Dubai harbour.

Some of the money has been spent on rehabilitating the Buraimi area where irrigation and agriculture fell into neglect following two years of occupation by the Saudi Arabian authorities.