HC Deb 07 May 1964 vol 694 cc1425-6
3. Mr. Bence

asked the Secretary for Technical Co-operation how many British graduates of British universities are teaching and doing research in African Commonwealth countries.

Mr. R. Carr

There are approximately 1,600 British graduates engaged on teaching and research in African Commonwealth countries who are financially assisted by my Department. There are also about 600 employed in universities. The number of those engaged in similar work in the private sector is not known to me.

Mr. Bence

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reply and while expressing satisfaction that the figures are such as they are, may I ask him whether he would not agree that it is very important that in helping the under-developed countries we should do all we can, whether by grants or scholarships, or by sending experts from our country to stimulate in the countries themselves an urge to reach the highest scientific and technological levels, since by establishing such institutions in these countries we can probably do more good for them than by giving material aid?

Mr. Carr

I fully agree with all that the hon. Gentleman says. I think that those British people who are prepared to go out and teach in this way are doing a fine job. It is an aspect of the brain drain which I am doing all I can to encourage.

Mr. G. M. Thomson

Could the right hon. Gentleman tell us of any progress that has been made in the scheme for co-operation between British and overseas universities, for the secondment of university staffs to developing countries?

Mr. Carr

I am not sure whether the hon. Gentleman has any specific points in mind. If so, perhaps he could put specific Questions to me on the Notice Paper. In general, I think that the scheme is going well.