HC Deb 17 June 1965 vol 714 cc105-6W
60. Sir P. Agnew

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the grave conditions of drought and famine in Bechuanaland, he will arrange for emergency supplies of food both for the population and for their cattle to be made available in the territory.

Mr. Greenwood

With the generous help of the World Food Programme and the U.S. Government, arrangements are already being made for the provision of emergency food supplies for the population. Her Majesty's Government are providing£150,000 for the distribution of these supplies, for a programme of borehole drillings to open up new grazing areas for cattle, and for enabling an early start to be made on development projects which are heavy employers of labour. In addition the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief are generously providing£35,00 towards various relief projects.

A further report from the Bechuanaland Government is awaited, and on its receipt the provision of further assistance will be considered.

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