HC Deb 25 January 1968 vol 757 c179W
Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what financial assistance has been, and is to be, accorded to the South Yemen People's Republic; for what purposes; and under what conditions.

Mr. Prentice

It was agreed at the Geneva negotiations conducted by my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal that aid at the pre-independence level would be continued for six months from 1st December, 1967. The civil element for which I am responsible includes some £2 million as assistance towards the recurrent civil budget; the Southern Yemen Government has been asked to provide an audited certificate in due course that the money has been devoted to the administrative and other purposes of the Republic.

In addition, we have agreed to make available the balance unspent from the allocations formerly made to the territory under the Colonial Development and Welfare Acts to a total of approximately £1.5 million; issues will be made in respect of capital projects to be agreed with us on proof of need against claims submitted through and endorsed by the British Embassy.

It was agreed at Geneva that the question of future aid would be a matter for further discussion between Her Majesty's Government and the People's Republic of Southern Yemen.