HC Deb 14 March 1961 vol 636 cc1188-90
42. Mr. Awbery

asked the Prime Minister if he will prepare a scheme, similar to that now being sponsored by the President of the United States of America, by which young people who are qualified in teaching, health services, farming and village development, are encouraged to volunteer to give service in the backward areas of the world, by living among the people, with allowances only to cover their basic needs.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. R. A. Butler)

I have been asked to reply.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 9th March to the hon. Member for Blackburn (Mrs. Castle).

Mr. Awbery

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Question arises out of the scheme adopted by the President of the United States, who thought that this was the best way to maintain peace in the world? Is he also aware that in America there are private organisations doing this work, but the President thought that that was not sufficient and he adopted the scheme himself? Will the Prime Minister consider adopting a scheme similar to that adapted by the United States President?

Mr. Butler

Since I last spoke of this matter, the Lord Privy Seal has pointed out that the American President's scheme is a pilot scheme in its formative stages, and so we shall certainly watch with great interest haw it develops. I have already consulted my right hon. Friends who are principally concerned, as I promised, and we are well decided that the best way is to base our scheme on voluntary organisations, who have since been in touch with us and have expressed their pleasure that that is to be the case. I think that it would be a mistake in this country if we under-estimated both the will and the importance of voluntary organisations.

Mr. Gaitskell

We would all agree about the important work done by voluntary organisations in this field, but can the right hon. Gentleman give us some idea when the Government expect to make a statement? The right hon. Gentleman mentioned that there was contact with voluntary organisations. Are discussions taking place with them on what form Government assistance might take?

Mr. Butler

I gave an indication on the last occasion of the extent of Government assistance to voluntary organisations and we are in touch with them. There is no definite date for a statement, but I have borne in mind the importance which the House and the right hon. Gentleman attach to this matter.

Mr. Wade

Does the right hon. Gentleman's reply mean that there will be an increase in grants to these voluntary societies?

Mr. Butler

I could not add to that today.

Sir Richard Pilkington

Does not every continent bear witness to the fact that we have been doing this very sort of thing for a long time?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir.

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