§ Mr. Goughasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the recent discussions with the financial delegation from Jordan.
§ Sir Anthony EdenThe British and Jordanian Delegations examined in detail the revised Five-Year Plan for Jordan's economic development as agreed between the two Governments in 1953. In the light of these discussions Her Majesty's Government reaffirm their intention of co-operating with the Jordan Government in their efforts to improve the Jordan economy.
288WHer Majesty's Government have therefore offered, subject to the approval of Parliament, to provide for the Jordan Government, in 1955–56, sums totalling £2.5 million. Of this up to £0.75 million will be a grant devoted as in 1954–55 towards meeting the expected deficit in Jordan's budget for next year. The remaining £1.75 million will be an interest free loan which will be spent in 1955–56 on certain agreed projects listed in the Five-Year Plan.
Jordan's 1955 balance of payments as a member of the sterling area was also discussed, and arrangements were agreed for making available dollars from sterling area resources during that year.