HC Deb 23 March 1961 vol 637 cc65-6W
76 and 77. Mr. Marquand

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (1) whether he has completed his study of the Morse Report on the Economic Development of Basutoland, Bechuanaland, and Swaziland, which was presented to the High Commissioner on 1st March, 1960; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what applications have been made for loans or grants to the International Bank for Reconstruction, the International Development Association, the United Nations Special Fund, and to any other international or foreign agency for the purposes of economic development in Basutoland, Swaziland, and Bechuanaland, respectively.

Mr. Sandys

The study of the Morse Report on the Economic Development of Basutoland, Bechuanaland Protectorate and Swaziland has been completed and, as the House was informed in reply to a Question by the right hon. Gentleman on 2nd February, we are now examining the ways in which the necessary finance might be obtained.

Applications have been submitted to

  1. (a) the International Development Association, which, as a result, has sent a mission to the High Commission Territories to examine the possibility of a loan for road construction;
  2. (b) the United Nations Special Fund for a hydrological survey and hydrological research;
  3. (c) the International Co-operation Adminitration of the United States Government for a grant for certain other purposes recommended by the Morse Mission.

The World Health Organisation has helped in the preparation of plans, for tuberculosis control in all three Territories, and for the control of tsetse fly in the Bechuanaland Protectorate. In Basutoland, the Food and Agriculture Organisation, in co-operation with the World Health Organisation, has prepared a comprehensive nutrition programme, for which the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund is considering assistance. An application has been made to the United Nations Bureau of Technical Assistance for funds for a preliminary study of the utilisation of the Okavango water resources in North Western Bechuanaland.

Inquiries have been made of United Kingdom and United States Foundations about the possibility of their helping to improve educational facilities in all three Territories. Where the replies show that some help made be practicable, they are being followed up.

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