HL Deb 29 October 1969 vol 305 cc117-8WA
LORD MERRIVALE

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What capital aid and technical assistance has been given to the Malagasy Republic in each of the past three years; and what is the proposed programme for the coming financial year.

BARONESS LLEWELYN-DAVIES OE HASTOE

The Malagasy Republic first received capital aid from Britain in 1968/69 when equipment for a milk pasteurisation plant at Babetville was provided at a cost of £35,000. Equipment to the value of £8,000 was supplied in 1969–70 for use at a number of co-operative centres for groundnut shelling, cleaning and grading. The programme for 1970–71 has not yet been decided.

The technical assistance programme for 1967–68 provided courses for training in Britain and 8 Volunteer teachers for service in Madagascar at a cost of £6,200. The cost of the programme for 1968–69 was increased to £29,100, and, besides providing courses of training in Britain and educational aid, covered the initial stage of a feasibility survey in the Madrare region, in South-East Madagascar, connected with a plan for developing its natural resources. The programme for 1969–70, which is estimated to cost £60,800, comprises training courses in Britain, educational aid, the completion of the feasibility survey, the appointment of an expert to install and demonstrate the equipment supplied for the groundnut scheme, and the provision of two engineers to install the equipment for the milk pasteurisation plant. The programme for 1970–71 has not yet been finalised.

House adjourned at four minutes past seven o'clock.