HC Deb 19 June 1950 vol 476 cc859-60
55. Mr. Blackburn

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what arrangements have been made by His Majesty's Government to participate in the Fourth Point programme of the United States Government for the development of backward areas.

Mr. Ernest Davies

The money voted by the United States Congress for the Point Four Programme of Technical Assistance is to be made available to under-developed countries partly through the expanded technical assistance programme of the United Nations and its specialised agencies, which is to be financed entirely by voluntary contributions, and partly through bilateral arrangements between the United States and individual recipient countries. His Majestys Government have promised to contribute to the former rather more than £750,000, which will be the largest contribution after that of the United States.

Mr. Blackburn

While congratulating my hon. Friend on that answer, may I ask whether he can tell us what form the aid will take? Will it take the form of sending technicians in the way in which the United States are to do from now onwards?

Mr. Davies

Well, it might be that. There are various ways in which aid might be given. As far as we are concerned, we are making this sum available in non-convertible sterling.