§ Mr. Russellasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made towards the implementation of the Colombo Plan, especially as regards provision for the necessary expenditure.
§ Mr. GaitskellAs to the general progress of the Plan, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Tradeston on 2nd July.
It is not possible to evaluate precisely the progress that has been made in the provision of finance in view of alterations in the detailed plans of Colombo countries and changes in price levels since the Colombo Plan Report was published in November, 1950. In addition to the U.K. contribution, however, contributions towards the external financial needs of the Commonwealth countries in S.E. Asia have now been promised by Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and the Government of the United States has lent 190 million dollars to India for the purchase of wheat. Generally speaking, these contributions, together with the increased prosperity of the countries in the area, give ground for hope that, during the current year the financial provision may be adequate.