Voluntary Service (Hansard, 25 June 1964)

§ 14. Mr. K. Lewis
asked the Secretary for Technical Co-operation if he will take steps to support the promotion of volunteer service and the allied projects of independent institutions; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Carr
I have nothing to add to the statement I made to the House on 12th February in which I announced a large expansion in the proposed scale of volunteer service and the increased financial support to be provided by the Government. The new Council for Volunteers Overseas under the presidency of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has held its first meeting.

§ Mr. Lewis
Is my right hon. Friend aware that, in the coming years, interest in voluntary overseas service must not only be awakened in this country but enthusiasm for the whole concept aroused? Is it not vital to have the utmost publicity by radio, editorials and other means? Will he undertake this as a particular project?

Mr. Carr
Alas, I cannot control publicity of that kind, but I warmly welcome, for example, the recent series of editorials and other articles several days running in the Daily Mail. We are engaged on producing a colour film and an illustrated booklet to assist the voluntary societies.

§ Mr. G. Thomas
Is the Minister satisfied that adequate publicity is being given to the voluntary service opportunities? Can he give an idea of how much is spent on publicity? Is he, further, of opinion that British youth will respond in a wonderful way if they are aware whom they should contact?

Mr. Carr
I cannot, offhand, give the amount spent on publicity, but I assure the hon. Member that I am well aware of the need to stimulate interest now that we have the programme expanding as fast as it is and that steps will be taken to ensure that publicity is given.

§ Mr. Longden
Will my right hon. Friend either confirm or refute a statement which was made in another place yesterday that if teachers go out to these voluntary services they will lose pension rights and seniority on their return? Surely, this is not correct.

Mr. Carr
To the best of my knowledge, it is totally incorrect. Established teachers who have already entered the teaching profession, who do not go out under the voluntary service scheme, have all their rights in that respect protected. Young volunteers who go out for the first time have not yet begun an established career in this country.