§ Mr. Alexander W. Lyonasked the Minister of Overseas Development if he will make a statement on the recent financial talks with the Government of Lesotho.
§ Mr. BottomleyThe British Government have offered, subject to the approval of Parliament, to provide during the three year period beginning 1st April, 1967 up to £11 million budgetary and development aid to Lesotho as a contribution towards that country's needs. This amount is additional to the post-Independence aid already agreed for the period up to 31st March, 1967, and to technical assistance and compensation loans.
§ Mr. Juddasked the Minister of Overseas Development what financial and technical assistance is to be provided by Her Majesty's Government to Lesotho as a result of the recent official governmental talks in London.
§ Mr. BottomleyAs regards financial assistance, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I have given today to the hon. Member for York (Mr. Alexander W. Lyon). As indicated by my predecessor in the reply he gave my hon. Friend the Member for Hornchurch (Mr. Alan Lee Williams) on 1st July, 1966, the full range of British technical assistance will continue to be available to Lesotho. This includes the Overseas Service Aid Scheme, and the provision of experts, consultants, surveys and training courses.