HC Deb 13 April 1965 vol 710 cc1140-1
11. Mr. Freeson

asked the Minister of Overseas Development whether she will take steps to provide Government encouragement and financial help for the International Voluntary Service and the United Nations Association International Service.

Mr. Oram

Both these bodies are associated with the graduate volunteer scheme and Her Majesty's Government contribute 75 per cent. of the British costs of the volunteers they send overseas.

Mr. Freeson

The graduate volunteer scheme is limited in scope when related to the kind of activities which these organisations undertake. Is my hon. Friend aware that these two bodies undertake the sending overseas of many more people than graduates, as well as the reception of people in this country from overseas? Will the Minister consider consulting these two bodies, which are in serious financial need, and encourage the expansion of their work internationally overseas and at home?

Mr. Oram

We are constantly in touch with these and other organisations engaged in sending volunteers overseas. We are fully aware, as my hon. Friend has pointed out, that their valuable work extends beyond the recruitment of graduates. At the moment, however, we have no plans for extending the scheme of Government support beyond the recruitment of graduates.