§ Mr. Brocklebank-Fowlerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement about future aid to Botswana.
§ Mr. WoodThe Vice-President of Botswana led a delegation for talks in London with Her Majesty's Government from 23rd-25th January about Her Majesty's Government's contribution to Botswana's development programme in the three years 1973–74 to 1975–76. At these talks an offer was made of continuing British aid. This has since been accepted formally by the Government of Botswana.
Subject to the annual provision of funds by Parliament, Her Majesty's Government will provide capital aid of £8.1 million for the period, to be used for development projects agreed by the two Governments. This aid will be made available on exceptionally favourable terms; two-fifths of it will be provided in grant form. The rest will be issued as a loan, free of interest, repayable over 25 years, with a seven years' grace period. Technical assistance services, including an expanded training programme, will be provided at levels to be determined annually.