§ 16. Mr. Molloyasked the Minister of Overseas Development what technical and educational measures are envisaged in the way of practical assistance to The Gambia.
§ Mr. Oram:As my right hon. Friend's predecessor informed my hon. Friend the Member for Hornchurch (Mr. Alan Lee Williams) on the 13th April, we have agreed to provide a loan of £3.2 million to The Gambia for development projects over the next four years.
In addition we expect to provide various forms of technical assistance to the value of about £¼ million a year.
Since the details are lengthy I will, with permission, circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
The following is the information:
Financial Aid and Technical Assistance to The Gambia—1967–71
1. Financial Aid
An interest-free development loan of £3.2 million, and development grants of up to £90,000 for uncompleted projects spilling over from the previous development period, have been committed by Her Majesty's Government for the period 1st July, 1967 to 30th June, 1971. Sector allocations include £120,000 for educational buildings. The agricultural sector allocation includes financial support for Mixed Farming Centres where farmers undergo training courses.
2. Technical Assistance
Technical Assistance is being provided in the following ways:—
- (i) 70 British experts, including 7 in the educational field, were serving in the Gambia on the 30th June, 1967.
468 - (ii) During the academic year 1966–67, 96 Gambian students and trainees enrolled for courses in Britain.
- (iii) In 1966–67 there were 15 British volunteers in the Gambia.
- (iv) The Directorate of Overseas Surveys is carrying out a programme of field survey, mapping and soil surveys, in the Gambia.
It is expected that Technical Assistance on a similar scale will be provided in 1968–69.—[Vol. 744: c.237–38.]