§ 24. Mr. Marquandasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Council of Ministers of the Council of Europe has yet approved Recommendations 158 and 159 of the Consultative Assembly concerning aid to less developed areas and particularly to those of Africa; and whether he will make a statement.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Ian Harvey)These Recommendations are before the Committee of Ministers and, until they have published their conclusions, it would be inappropriate for my right hon. and learned Friend to make a statement.
§ Mr. MarquandWill the hon. Gentleman agree that these plans were passed unanimously by the Council of Europe and that they contained some very useful suggestions? Would it not be a good plan to remit them for further study at the official level to all self-governing countries in Africa which are interested, including African self-governing countries?
§ Mr. HarveyThe Recommendations, of course, are full of interesting suggestions, but it would be inappropriate for me to commit myself on the procedure in advance of the Ministers' decision.