HC Deb 01 March 1962 vol 654 cc1506-7
3. Mr. G. M. Thomson

asked the Minister of Education what steps he is taking to implement the recommendations of the Commonwealth Education Conference at New Delhi.

36. Dr. A. Thompson

asked the Minister of Education what action he is taking upon the recommendations of the Commonwealth Education Conference at New Delhi.

Sir D. Eccles

The recommendations on which this country can take action are being actively considered. Steps are also being taken to implement the offers for new developments made by the British delegation.

Mr. Thomson

Will the Minister take steps to ensure that the Report of the New Delhi Conference is made available to Members of Parliament through the Vote Office? Is he aware that there is only one copy in the House of Commons—in the Library—available for all hon. Members who are interested? On the general question of the Conference, would he not agree that the results are rather disappointing in relation to the kind of hopes we had had of this organisation? Will Her Majesty's Government do everything they can to make sure that they play their part in making the kind of resources available which will enable this very important scheme of Commonwealth mutual aid to make satisfactory progress?

Sir D. Eccles

On the first point, I have made arrangements that the Report shall be published and made available to hon. Members. On the second point, I agree that this is a most interesting and valuable development. The British delegation took the lead in proposing an extension, but not all Commonwealth countries seem prepared to put up the resources we would like.

Dr. Thompson

Will the Minister give an assurance that the proposals made at the New Delhi Conference for the admission of technicians and craftsmen to this country to work for six months in British industry will not be affected by any of the provisions of the Commonwealth Immigrants Bill?

Sir D. Eccles

Yes, I can give that assurance.

Forward to