HC Deb 09 April 1963 vol 675 c1080
29. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will seek a meeting with European Free Trade Association countries and European Common Market countries to consider the possibility of a joint programme for linking aid to developing countries from areas, such as South-West France, to additional aid being given from North-East England, Merseyside, South-West England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Mr. Maudling

The main forum for discussing questions of Western aid policy is the Development Assistance Committee of the O.E.C.D. The membership of this Committee includes all the principal donors of aid in the European Free Trade Association and the European Economic Community, and there would be no advantage in setting up new arrangements.

Mr. Dalyell

In the light of the Report of the Clay Committee, can the Chancellor assure us that attention has been brought to this?

Mr. Maudling

I have no doubt that they will be apprised of that.