§ Mr. Juddasked the Minister of Overseas Development if he will make a statement about the recent talks on development aid to Mauritius.
§ Mr. PrenticeIn the talks which have just ended, I informed the delegation from Mauritius led by the Prime Minister, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, that subject to Parliamentary approval financial aid could be made available in the Mauritius financial year 1968–69 at a level of £3 million. This will consist of £2½ million in development loans and grants and £500,000 Kennedy Round Food Aid, subject to ratification of the Rome Food Aid Convention, the proceeds of which would be devoted to development.
Financial aid commitments, including budgetary support, for the current Mauritius financial year will, of course, be maintained. Recourse will be had to the Civil Contingencies Fund and disbursements will be charged in due course to the Overseas Aid (Bilateral) Vote. This is additional to the continuation of British technical assistance to Mauritius which is expected to amount to £200,000 in 1968–69.