§ 36. Mr. Chapmanasked the Minister of Overseas Development what action she proposes to take to achieve a carefully planned 10-year development programme for the Leeward and Windward Islands as set out in the recent report commissioned from Dr. Carleen O'Loughlin; and whether, since the total capital needs calculated in this report are greater than can be provided by aid from Her Majesty's Government alone, and in view of recent help for the area from Canada and the United States of America, she will propose a consortium of the three countries to see this programme through when the new Federation is formed.
§ Mrs. CastleWe shall be happy to give what help we can to the Federation; but it is a little early for me to say what we shall be able to contribute to the development of any particular area. Moreover, I understand that the islands' Council of Ministers would like to discuss this with us when they have finally decided about federation. I do not want to prejudge the islands' own assessment of their needs. I am sure they will welcome aid from other quarters and I will bear my hon. Friend's suggestion on this in mind.