§ Mr. Wallasked the Minister of Overseas Development if he will make a statement on the talks with the Prime Minister of Swaziland.
§ Mr. PrenticeOur discussions with the Swaziland Government Delegation, led by the Prime Minister, related to British aid and were concluded on the 6th December. We have, subject to the approval of Parliament, offered to provide during 1969–70 budgetary aid of up to £1. 9 million and development aid of £1. 05 million; of the latter £650,000 will be grant and £400,000 as an interest-free loan over 25 years and a 5-year grace period. We also contemplate providing further development aid of up to £1. 2 million per annum over the following two years, the exact amounts and terms to be decided later. We have also agreed in relation to 1968–69 that the Swaziland Government may apply to specified projects about £65,000 of development aid previously issued; and that we shall be ready to consider assisting them this financial year with their subscription to the I.M.F.
British technical assistance, which together with assistance under the Overseas Service Aid Scheme is at present running at nearly £300,000 a year, will continue to be available, together with interest-free loans over 25 years with a six-year grace period of up to £488,000 to meet the Swaziland Government's share of payments to expatriate officers under compensation schemes.
Our discussions also covered the Swazi Nation land question and agreement was 80W reached on the composition, terms of reference, and timing of a Working Party of experts which is to examine the matter.