HC Deb 25 April 1980 vol 983 cc314-5W
Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Lord Privy Seal how the aid so far given to the former colony of Rhodesia has been spent between the elections and 17 April.

Mr. Neil Marten

In the period concerned we financed four teams to advise incoming Ministers on the development of the public service, the police, broadcasting and industrial training; and we also provided advice on the development of the foreign service. In addition, expenditure continued under our existing training programme for Zimbabweans.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the £75 million of aid to Zimbabwe to be given over the next three years is to be earmarked for specific projects; and, if so, how much extra will be given to help train the new Zimbabwe armed forces and police force.

Mr. Neil Marten

As my right hon. Friend told the House on 15 April, the bulk of the £75 million will be devoted to a substantial bilateral aid programme: a mission from the Overseas Development Administration will visit Zimbabwe in June to discuss the allocation of this aid. The greater part will take the form of capital aid, including specific projects, but there will also be within the £75 million a technical co-operation programme which will finance any further assistance with police training. Assistance with military training is not financed from the aid programme.

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