HC Deb 25 June 1964 vol 697 cc609-10
20. Sir H. Legge-Bourke

asked the Secretary for Technical Co-operation what progress is being made by the local research institutions in East Africa and the Caribbean which are sponsored and supported by his Department; and if he proposes to increase their specific grants in the near future.

Mr. Carr

There are 27 such institutions in these regions employing about 250 senior and 350 supporting scientific staff. They are doing most valuable work, particularly in the field of medicine, agriculture and the development of natural resources. I have no specific proposals for increased grants before me at the moment.

Sir H. Legge-Bourke

Has my right hon. Friend had any applications for an increase in the grants? In the light of his reply to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Carshalton (Captain W. Elliot) on Question No. 17, is he satisfied that everything possible is being done in both education and agriculture and is going as fast as the situation allows?

Mr. Carr

We are making progress, although in this as in other fields it ought to be faster. I have no specific proposals for increasing grants before me at the moment. My Department's research expenditure is now on a triennial basis, which is good for future planning, and this has helped to give continuity of support.

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