HC Deb 25 February 1964 vol 690 cc213-4
7. Mr. Bullard

asked the Secretary of State for Technical Co-operation what action he is taking to assist overseas countries in agricultural development, in the light of the recommendations of his Advisory Committee; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Carr

I am publishing today the first Report of my Advisory Committee together with an account of the work of my Department in this field. I should like to thank Mr. Bawden, the Chairman of the Committee, and his colleagues for their valuable Report which has been accepted as the basis of our work.

Mr. Bullard

Will my right hon. Friend say something about the need to avoid the wholesale withdrawal of agricultural staff from the countries getting independence?

Mr. Carr

This is a very great need. It is interesting and encouraging to note that, despite the changed conditions, there are still 1,900 specialists in this sphere overseas compared with 2,200 in 1956, a relatively small decline.