HC Deb 13 April 1967 vol 744 cc237-8W
Mr. Alan Lee Williams

asked the Minister of Overseas Development whether he will make a statement on the recent financial talks with the Government of The Gambia.

Mr. Bottomley

Following financial talks held in London from 3rd to 7th April between the Governments of Britain and The Gambia, the British Government have undertaken to provide up to £3.2 million development aid to The Gambia over the four Gambian financial years 1st July, 1967–30th June, 1971, in the form of a 25-year interest-free loan for specific projects to be agreed. In addition a grant of £90,000 will be made available for uncompleted projects carried forward from 1966–67. Further grants to the extent necessary to balance the recurrent budget will be made within the following maxima:

Gambian Financial Year
1967–68 … … £590,000
1968–69 … … £450,000
1969–70 … … £370,000
1970–71 … … £280,000
It is the intention of both Governments that the need for such grants should be eliminated as soon as possible.

The Gambian Government have accepted this offer, which is in addition to technical assistance and loans towards The Gambia's share of compensation and commutation payments to officers designated under the Overseas Service Aid Scheme, together currently running at about £260,000 a year.

Disbursements from the development loan and grant will be charged to the Overseas Aid (Bilateral) Vote in due course.