HC Deb 12 April 1965 vol 710 c128W
51. Mr. Jackson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what plans he has to assist political and economic progress in the British protected States in the Persian Gulf.

Mr. George Thomson

As the hon. Member is aware, Her Majesty's Government are not responsible for the internal affairs of these States. We are, however, anxious to assist them to govern themselves on modern lines and to realise their full potentialities, and we shall continue to give all the help we can in this direction. We already provide substantial economic assistance to the less wealthy States.