HC Deb 21 February 1972 vol 831 cc208-9W
61. Mr. Blaker

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the result of his study of the announcement by the Ghana Government of the unilateral repudiation of certain outstanding debts to British firms contracted while Dr. Nkrumah was President.

Mr. Kershaw

The matter is still under study and I can therefore say no more for the present.

Mr. Cordle

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Ghana Government has sought international assistance for the control of cocoa smuggling; and what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards it provision.

Mr. Kershaw

Her Majesty's Government have received no such request for assistance from the Government of Ghana.

Mr. Cordle

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has concerning the Ghana Government's efforts to increase domestic production of rice and other foodstuffs; and to what extent he takes this into account in deciding on help to be given or offered by the United Kingdom.

Mr. Wood

None.

Mr. Cordle

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has concerning the progress of measures by the Ghana Government to reduce corruption and waste in the application of overseas aid; and to what extent he takes this into account in formulating his aid plans.

Mr. Wood

None.