§ Mr. Spearingasked the Minister of Overseas Development what assistance Her Majesty's Government are providing to the Portuguese Government by way of bilateral development loans.
§ Mr. TomlinsonA £5 million bilateral capital aid loan has been offered and accepted by the Portuguese Government and our Ambassador in Lisbon is today signing the loan agreement on behalf of Her Majesty's Government. The loan will meet the cost of development projects, particularly those in the agricultural sector which will directly benefit the rural poor. It will be spent on British goods and services.