HC Deb 09 December 1965 vol 722 cc145-7W
Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the constitutional advance agreed for Basutoland.

Mr. Greenwood

At the recent talks held in London the Prime Minister of Basutoland said that on 30th April, 1966, his Government intended to submit a formal request for independence. The Basutoland Delegation asked that meanwhile the British Government Representative should assign to Basutoland Ministers responsibility for the subjects of external affairs, internal security and defence. Her Majesty's Government were in general agreement and undertook to transfer the greater part of these responsibilities subject to the conditions which are listed in the Report of the discussions which has been placed in the Library.

Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what financial assistance is envisaged for Basutoland until independence and on independence.

Mr. Greenwood

So far as aid to Basutoland until independence is concerned Her Majesty's Government have provided Basutoland with a grant-in-aid of administration of £2,350,000 for the year ending 31st March, 1966. Budgetary assistance for 1966–67 will be considered when the Basutoland draft Estimates for that year have been examined. Basutoland also has £1,800,000 of Colonial Development and Welfare funds available for spending on approved development schemes during 1965–66 and 1966–67. In addition, Her Majesty's Government have allocated over £500,000 from C.D. & W. funds towards the capital costs, during 1964–67, of the University of Basutoland, Bechuanaland and Swaziland, which is located in Basutoland. Exchequer loans for Basutoland totalling £93,000 were approved in 1964 and 1965 and have not yet been fully drawn.

Expenditure on Technical Assistance, including the Overseas Service Aid Scheme, is likely to amount to some £314,00 during 1965–66.

Financial assistance to Basutoland after independence will be a matter for discussion with the Basutoland Government in due course.

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