§ Mr. James Johnsonasked the Minister of Overseas Development what increased economic assistance the British Government are proposing to offer the Somali Government.
§ Mr. TomlinsonThe British Government have offered Somalia £1 million of programme aid on grant terms. This grant will enable Somalia to obtain from the United Kingdom commodities and equipment which are needed immediately to assist economic development during the coming year.
We are increasing our technical cooperation programme in Somalia. The most important project approved to date is a technical training school in the Juba Valley, costing some £650,000; this will train personnel to be employed in the Juba sugar project. We hope also to identify with the Government of Somalia areas for further project support from the aid programme.
The British Government will also consider sympathetically any requests which may be made for assistance in meeting the needs of refugees from the conflict in the Ogaden. We have already arranged for the dispatch of water tankers, blankets and other relief goods costing some £60,000 to help meet immediate needs.