§ 5. Mr. F. Noel-Bakerasked the Secretary for Technical Co-operation what steps he is taking to ensure that British 212 personnel undertaking inspection of projects with British participation in developing countries have the necessary instruction and technical qualifications.
Mr. CarrHer Majesty's Government have no right of inspection of technical assistance projects in independent developing countries but, as far as possible, my specialist advisory staff who are highly qualified in their respective fields keep abreast of developments in these countries which they are often invited to visit.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI understand fully the views of the Minister about the sensitivity of developing countries, but is not his answer a little exaggerated? Surely donors, whether Government or private bodies, have a right and a duty to see that their aid or help is being properly used? What are we doing to see that projects on which British public funds are spent are being looked at and followed up?
Mr. CarrThe staff of our missions abroad keep in regular contact with development projects, and this is a continuous contact. The number of staff devoted to that purpose overseas is increasing. Apart from that, we depend on specialist advisers from this country.
§ Mr. G. M. ThomsonIs not there a case for attaching to high commissions and embassies technical assistance experts as attachés?
Mr. CarrWhile begging this description of "attaché" versus secondment, I can say that there are one or two people who are associated with my Department doing this work in posts abroad.