§ Sir Bernard Braineasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about future development aid for Swaziland.
§ Mr. WoodDiscussions with representatives of the Swaziland Government were held in London from 9th to 13th October about the British contribution to the development of Swaziland during the coming three years 1973–74 to 1975–76.
At the end of these talks, an offer of continuing British aid was made to the Swaziland Government, and this offer has now been accepted. Subject to the annual provision of funds by Parliament, the British Government will provide capital aid up to £6.85 million over the three years 1973–74 to 1975–76 to be used for general development purposes including schemes of land purchase and development. Funds for land purchase and development will be made available up to an agreed amount by grant, and the general development loan will be free of interest, repayable over 25 years with a seven-year grace period on repayments of capital.
The full range of technical assistance services, including training, will also be available. The Overseas Service Aid Scheme will apply to Swaziland and individual experts and advisory services will be provided, and necessary consultancies financed, as agreed between the two Governments.