§ Mr. Longdenasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action Her Majesty's Government propose to take in order to assist the Government of the Congo in supporting the economy of that country.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerA grant of $2 million to be channelled through the 119W United Nations was announced in Parliament on 2nd November, 1962. M. Adoula subsequently informed the United Nations that it would be premature for his Government to accept this aid. The country, has, however, recently embarked on a programme of economic rehabilitation and M. Adoula has indicated to Her Majesty's Ambassador that aid would now be welcome.
Her Majesty's Government accordingly propose to supply the money bilaterally, keeping the United Nations informed. It is intended to be both a contribution to international aid to the Congo and of assistance to British commercial interests in the country which are urgently in need of sterling imports.
Arrangements to give practical effect to this plan are being discussed with the Government of the Congo. Pending completion of these negotiations the rate at which the grant is likely to be disbursed cannot be forecast. Parliament will however be asked in due course to vote the amount required during the current financial year by means of a Supplementary Estimate on the Foreign Grants and Loans Vote. In the meantime advances will be obtained from the Civil Contingeniecies Fund as required.