§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, having regard to the need for long-term economic planning in the remaining British dependent territories, he will consider lengthening the period for which funds are normally provided for development and welfare schemes under the Colonial Development and Welfare Acts.
§ Mr. SandysThe period of the Colonial Development and Welfare Act was extended to 31st March, 1966, by 225W the Commonwealth Development Act, 1963. It is not now practicable to forecast requirements for Colonial Development and Welfare Assistance over a longer period than three years. Such a period gives the Governments concerned sufficient assurance of funds to enable them to plan ahead. It is open to them to plan for longer periods, subject to the possible need to revise the later stages of their plans in the light of decisions about British assistance after the expiry of the present legislation.