§ Mr. Peter Millsasked the Minister of Overseas Development how many inspectors or officials from his Department have visited the New Hebrides in the last five years.
§ Mr. Peter Millsasked the Minister of Overseas Development what action has been taken by his Department to improve the social and economic life of the people of the New Hebrides.
§ Mr. OramThe total value of British aid given to the New Hebrides from 1964 to the end of 1968 was about £2¼ million. This has included expenditure on social and economic projects as well as on administration. It includes contributions to projects carried out jointly with the French administration in the Condominium. Consultancies and other forms of technical assistance have also been provided.
§ Mr. Peter Millsasked the Minister of Overseas Development what proposals his Department has to improve agriculture in the New Hebrides.
§ Mr. OramHer Majesty's Government contribute towards the capital and62W recurrent expenditure of the Joint Agricultural Department, including the operational costs of the agricultural extension service. The improvement of agriculture in the Condominium is a matter for the Joint Administration to consider in the first instance. My Agricultural Adviser may be visiting the territory later this year, and I would be prepared to consider a request for further technical advice.
§ Mr. Peter Millsasked the Minister of Overseas Development what proposals his Department has to improve facilities and to encourage tourism in the New Hebrides.
§ Mr. OramA Joint Mission has been set up by the British and French Govments to look into future aviation developments in the Condominium, with special reference to the needs arising from the tourist potential of the territory. In the meantime the British and French Governments together are contributing towards the cost of improvements to the existing airport at Vila, and to the construction of a new wharf.