HC Deb 07 May 1964 vol 694 cc1427-8
5. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary for Technical Co-operation when he expects to appoint agricultural liaison officers to the High Commission offices in the developing countries of the Commonwealth.

Mr. R. Carr

I am not convinced that such specialised permanent representation is needed at present, particularly in view of the regular contacts maintained by my professional advisers with these countries; but I will review the position with my right hon. Friend in the light of experience.

Mr. Swingler

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the report which led to this recommendation? Is not he aware that there is a need for a better assessment on the spot of the requirements of the developing countries, not only in terms of equipment and capital but in agriculture, education, and matters of that kind? If only a comparatively small number of personnel is involved, would it not be possible to take some tentative steps to try to get the better liaison which is recommended?

Mr. Carr

I agree with the purpose behind the hon. Member's remarks, but I do not think that the sort of attachment which he suggests in his Question is the best way of meeting the point, at any rate at present. We are trying to build up, and are increasing the establishment of one or two home-based institutions, in order to provide more advisers in the many different specialities connected with agriculture in order to provide a better service overseas.

Mr. F. Noel-Baker

Would not one effective way to deal with this problem be to set up in other parts of the world bodies modelled on the Development Division in the Middle East, operated by the right hon. Gentleman's Department?

Mr. Carr

That Division is certainly doing very fine work. I made a particular point of calling to see how it was working on my way back from Asia before Christmas, and the point that the hon. Gentleman has raised is very much in my mind.