HC Deb 13 April 1965 vol 710 cc1148-9
21. Mr. R. Carr

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what is the target number for overseas volunteers for the year beginning September, 1966; and what financial assistance she proposes to offer the voluntary organisations concerned in respect of that year.

Mr. Oram

No decision has yet been taken. But we are actively considering the question in consultation with the voluntary societies.

Mr. Carr

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that last year these targets and financial arrangements were fixed as early as February, thus giving voluntary organisations 18 months in which to plan a very big expansion? Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that they were very much of the opinion then that any major expansion, which we all hoped would take place, must be planned a long time in advance?

Mr. Oram

I agree that the announcement was made earlier last year, but we are in consultation with the voluntary bodies. Indeed, my officials and I spent last weekend discussing these matters with them. They are less anxious about the size than about the problems connected with the quality of the programme, the projects to be met, and so on, and it is along these lines that we are discussing the matter. They have expressed no anxiety about any undue haste in setting the targets.

Mr. Carr

Does this mean that the arrangements for finding suitable projects and volunteers of sufficient quality are such that we cannot look forward to continued expansion on the previous scale?

Mr. Oram

We are expecting to expand, but we also plan to put emphasis on quality as well as quantity.