HC Deb 13 April 1965 vol 710 cc1150-1
27. Sir R. Russell

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what progress has been made in defining and providing assistance for the special Commonwealth projects envisaged at the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference held in the summer of 1964.

Mrs. Castle

Senior Commonwealth officials have recently considered means of implementing this proposal, and their recommendations are now being considered by Commonwealth Governments. We hope that the proposed Commonwealth Secretariat will be able to play a part in furthering the scheme.

Sir R. Russell

As this is meant to be an exercise in increasing Commonwealth co-operation as well as in giving assistance, will the right hon. Lady do her best to keep it going and to speed it up?

Mrs. Castle

Yes. In particular, my Department is very glad that it has been suggested that the Deputy Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Secretariat should have special responsibility for economic problems. When he has been appointed my Department will keep in close touch with him in order to promote Commonwealth co-operation in this matter.