HC Deb 15 December 1964 vol 704 c191
10. Mr. Alison

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what will be the amount of the British contribution next year to the United Nations Special Fund and Expanded Programme for Technical Assistance; and what percentage change this represents on the present British contributions.

Mrs. Castle

I cannot yet give figures, but since, as has already been announced, our contribution will be larger than it was this year, the United Nations authorities need not fear any unfavourable effect on their 1965 programme.

Mr. Alison

In thanking the right hon. Lady for that Answer, may I inquire whether, in the light of the very large number of British nationals—and, I assume from her Answer, an even larger number of British nationals—who are working for the expanded programmes, she thinks that there might be an informal link or tie-up between the pre-investment exploration work which they do and subsequent development by specifically British industrial undertakings, so that altruism can be wedded to national self-interest?

Mrs. Castle

I am aware of the point that the hon. Member has raised. It is a consideration which we are bearing in mind.