HC Deb 09 June 1964 vol 696 c46W
Mr. Bottomley

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies what steps he is taking to improve the economic viability of Basutoland during the interim period before independence; and, in particular, whether he will arrange for Basutoland political leaders to be associated in a new effort to dispose of the Colony's water resources to the Republic of South Africa.

Mr. Sandys

Britain is contributing £1.7 million towards Basutoland's development programme for the period 1963–66, in addition to a contribution of about £1.7 million towards the estimated budgetary deficit for 1964–65. Basutoland political leaders will be associated in any future negotiations with the Republic of South Africa regarding the development of the territory's water resources.