§ Mr. Whitakerasked the Minister of Overseas Development whether he has reached a decision on the request of the Government of Nepal for the construction by Great Britain of a 75-mile sector of their East-West Highway.
§ Mr. PrenticeI recognise that the Highway is of great economic importance to Nepal and the Nepalese Government have been informed that we are prepared to build this sector. His Majesty's Government of Nepal have accepted the offer.
Construction will be carried out by the Ministry of Public Building and Works. The cost is provisionally estimated at about £4¼ million over 5 years, half of which would be provided by grant and half as an interest-free loan, repayable over 25 years. For 1968–69 the necessary funds will be charged to Subheads A and B of the Overseas Aid (Bilateral) Vote.