asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies what loan he has now offered to Trinidad; what are the terms of interest and repayment; and what has been the response of Trinidad to this offer.

The discussions are not yet completed.

May we have an assurance that the original offer which was made at the very high rate of interest of 6 per cent. with an immediate repayment of capital and no period of moratorium, will at least be reconsidered? Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware of the pressure from both sides of the House in recent debates for the British Government, as has been recommended by several international bodies, to begin to offer loans at lower rates of interest and with a period before repayment of capital is demanded?

I could comment on what the hon. Gentleman has said, but I think that it would be better for him if I reserved anything I had to say until the negotiations were completed.