HC Deb 14 November 1961 vol 649 c165
1. Mr. Chapman

asked the Secretary for Technical Co-operation what steps he has taken to make known to underdeveloped parts of the Commonwealth the wider facilities available in his Department for giving advice on such matters as economic development.

The Secretary for Technical Co-operation (Mr. Dennis Vosper)

All British High Commissioners in independent Commonwealth countries and the Governments of dependent Territories have been informed of the setting up of the Department of Technical Co-operation and of its readiness to provide assistance on such subjects.

Mr. Chapman

I am much obliged to the right hon. Gentleman. He will know of the views held on this side that his Department might be even more powerful in these fields. Can the Minister give a complete assurance that he gives this function an important place in the work of his Department and that he intends to make it a real clearing house for advice and information on economic and social developments in areas like these?

Mr. Vosper

Yes, that is my intention. In fact, I have ideas for redesigning part of my Department to meet what the hon. Gentleman has in mind.