HC Deb 22 March 1971 vol 814 c19W
Mr. Bryant Godman Irvine

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will set out the details of the five-year development programme designed to increase the economic potential of the New Hebrides.

Mr. Kershaw

1. The Development Plan was prepared on the basis of recommendations by planning committees which included representatives of the Advisory Council and the private sector. It was endorsed by the Advisory Council in November, 1970. Wherever possible, emphasis is given in the plan to projects which will either help increase production or encourage new production.

2. The programme is divided into the following four sectors:

(a) Natural Resources Extension services will be expanded and improved to encourage the rapid acceptance of better farming methods; subsidies and agricultural credit facilities will be increased; a survey will be commissioned of the potential for the growing beef cattle industry and money will be provided towards the cost of building two abbatoirs.

(b) Communications All forms of communications are to be improved, including civil aviation facilities.

(c) Public Works The emphasis will be on the provision or improvement of rural roads and water supplies, construction of public buildings and purchase of construction equipment.

(d) Urban Development This sector will be concerned mainly with a low cost housing programme but also with urban roads and other facilities.

3. The five-year programme envisages a total expenditure of about £4 million. It will be financed from local revenue, loans, and, subject to approval by them of individual projects, from equal grants by Her Majesty's Government and the French Government.