HC Deb 25 June 1964 vol 697 cc608-9
19. Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary for Technical Co-operation by what proportion technical assistance to non-Commonwealth countries has been increased since his Department was formed; and what percentage of the overall effort is taken by non-Commonwealth countries.

Mr. Carr

The expenditures of my Department on bilateral assistance to foreign countries have gone up by 170 per cent. and are now about 10 per cent. of the total.

Mr. Skeet

I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for his statement, but may I ask whether, owing to the limited availability of funds and resources of the United Kingdom, he will give an assurance that he will not overlook the Commonwealth and the very necessary expenditure that must be undertaken there and also the position in the United Kingdom at the present juncture?

Mr. Carr

I certainly give that assurance, because although 90 per cent. instead of a somewhat higher percentage is now given to the Commonwealth, it is 90 per cent. of a much higher total, so that Commonwealth aid is increasing fast also.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Does the Minister appreciate that one of the non-Commonwealth countries which is badly in need of technical assistance is Cuba, where there is a great deal of good will towards this country following the recent bus order? Does not the Minister think that this should be followed up by helping a country which is struggling against the problem of poverty and struggling for its independence?

Mr. Carr

I did not know that it was struggling for independence. Perhaps it will make good use of the buses. My Department has no outstanding requests for assistance.