P.M. Satisfied On Aid Use

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31111, 14 July 1966, Page 3

P.M. Satisfied On Aid Use

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, July 13. The Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) denied today that he implied New Zealand’s aid to overseas nations was being misappropriated.

He told Parliament last night that as a result of recent reports from New Zealand’s representatives overseas he was somewhat concerned about some aspects of New Zealand’s overseas aid. Amplifying his remarks today, Mr Holyoake said it had to be realised there were always administrative problems in operations of this type—particularly in underdeveloped countries. “Sometimes deadlines are not met and plans have to be

modified as circumstances change,” he said. The Prime Minister emphasised that right throughout the Colombo Plan Pacific areas, New Zealand’s diplomatic missions—as a regular part of their responsibilities —were on the watch for any possible misapplication of New Zealand aid or any potential weaknesses which could be remedied at an early stage. Audited Statements “I am convinced,” said Mr Holyoake, “that our aid programmes are proof against misappropriations because j money towards capital aid projects are paid over to gov-1 ernments only on the production of properly-audited statements. “Moreover, wherever possible, New Zealand experts are associated on the ground with any large-scale expenditure, thereby minimising the possibilities of misapplication,” he said. Mr Holyoake emphasised he was not seriously concerned about any specific projects or areas.