§ Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Minister of State's recent visit to Tunisia; and what further schemes of technical and industrial operation are planned with Tunisia in the future.
§ Mr. M. StewartMy right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs visited Tunisia from 8th to 11th October. He had discussions with President Bourguiba and with members of his Government on matters of mutual interest. These discussions took place in a most friendly 77W atmosphere and I am sure have helped to strengthen the already excellent relations between the two countries. My right hon. Friend took the opportunity to refer to the readiness of Her Majesty's Government to give technical assistance and aid, on a modest scale, for the development of the Tunisian economy. The Ministry of Overseas Development are now considering, with the Tunisian Government, what form this assistance might take.