§ Mr. George Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much aid has been committed to Nepal for the East-West road; how much is available for local costs; what contribution to the cost of the project is acquired from the Nepalese Government; what technicians have been sent from this country in connection with the work; and how far behind schedule the project now is.
§ Mr. KershawBy an agreement dated 31st March, 1969, Her Majesty's Government undertook to provide £4.75 million for the construction of the East-West road, half as a grant and half by way of a 25-year interest-free loan. This sum is available without restriction on local costs expenditure. The Nepal Government are responsible for the acquisition of the land and for the provision of other facilities such as duty-free import of482W materials and P.O.L. The complement of the British construction team has varied and currently consists of 47, including 15 senior staff. The original aim was to complete the road by March, 1973. On the basis of the latest review (immediately before the onset of the Indo-Pakistan war) a paved road is expected to be complete by June, 1974, and the last bridges completed by April, 1975. Good progress was achieved during the last construction season and maintained during the 1971 monsoon.