§ Lord Westburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they plan to provide assistance to independent Namibia.
§ Lord Brabazon of TaraI am delighted to inform the House that following successful implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 435, Namibia has today achieved independence, and has 395WA become the 50th member of the Commonwealth. My right honourable friend the Secretary of State is representing Britain at the independence celebrations in Windhoek and will today announce a bilateral aid package of £ 10 million for commitment over three years.
Our aid will focus on technical co-operation and rehabilitation. Precise details will be agreed with the new government; but I expect the sectors in which we will provide assistance to include public service reform, education, police training and fisheries management. Following discussions with the Namibian authorities, we have already financed initial advisory visits by British experts to see how we might best help, and our assistance with police training and with education is already underway. Namibia will he a high priority for projects jointly funded with British voluntary agencies and Voluntary Service Overseas will also be discussing priorities with the new government. In addition to our bilateral aid, we shall be providing substantial assistance through multilateral channels including the European Community and the Commonwealth fund for technical co-operation.
My right honourable friend the Minister for Overseas Development authorised the Commonwealth Development Corporation to begin operations there, and they will send an exploratory mission in April.