HC Deb 07 May 1964 vol 694 cc1431-2
11. Mr. Goodhew

asked the Secretary for Technical Co-operation what progress has been made in setting up the Council for Volunteers Overseas.

Mr. R. Carr

The membership of the Council under the Presidency of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has now been settled. I will, with permission, publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the Council's terms of reference and the names of those who have accepted invitations to become members. I understand that the Council will hold its first meeting towards the end of May.

Mr. Goodhew

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this news will be warmly welcomed by all those who support the admirable work of this service? Is he aware that this House will wish to support the work of the Council throughout its term and that we hope that the Government will do likewise?

Mr. Carr

I am glad to hear my hon. Friend say that. This is something which has the support of all parties and that is much appreciated.

The following is the information: Council's terms of reference:
  1. (i) To receive reports from the Voluntary Societies' Committee for Service Overseas (the Lockwood Committee) and the voluntary bodies about the progress of their current programmes of sending volunteers overseas and of their plans for the future.
  2. (ii) To discuss these reports and future plans and to advise the voluntary bodies and, the Department of Technical Cooperation, through the Lockwood Committee, on any question of policy affecting the programmes;
  3. (iii) To advise on ways of increasing interest in the work of the voluntary societies.