§ Mr. Wallasked the Minister for Overseas Development if he will list the financial assistance given on independence to Malawi, Botswana, Lesotho and Mauritius, respectively.
§ Mr. PrenticeThe concept of former colonies being given financial assistance "on independence" is not a meaningful one, since our aid is normally given on a continuing basis extending through independence and beyond. When Malawi became independent in July, 1964, they were promised continuation of budgetary aid for that year up to a maximum of £5 million, and also a development grant of £3 million. In November, 1964 they were given up to £6.25 million budgetary aid and £1.5 million development grant for the year 1965, and subsequent commitments were made for 1966–68. Botswana, independent in September, 1966, was in July, 1966 given the balance of pre-independence aid up to March, 1967 and £13 million budgetary and development aid for the period 1967–70. Lesotho, independent in September, 1966 was in July, 1966 given the balance of pre-independence aid up to March, 1967, and in November 1966 was given £11 million budgetary and development aid for the period 1967–70. Mauritius, independent in March, 1968 is being provided with £3 million for the financial year 1968–69.
In addition all these countries have received technical assistance, loans for compensation and pension commutation payments to expatriate officers, and in some cases investment by the Commonwealth Development Corporation.