HC Deb 20 July 1965 vol 716 cc1320-1
12. Mr. R. Carr

asked the Minister of Overseas Development when she expects to be able to publish the White Paper she has promised on the work and organisation of her Department.

15. Mr. Francis Noel-Baker

asked the Minister of Overseas Development when she will publish a White Paper on the policy and activities of her Department.

Mrs. Castle

The White Paper will be published in the first week of August before the House rises for the Summer Recess.

Mr. Carr

While thanking the right hon. Lady for her reply, and congratulating her on just getting the White Paper in—I do not know what she would have done if the House had not been sitting during the first week in August—may I ask her to use her influence with the Leader of the House to see whether, in the autumn, we may have a debate on this very important subject?

Mrs. Castle

I am glad that the right hon. Gentleman appreciates that I have kept my word to the House. I will certainly be very anxious to debate the matter as soon as Parliamentary business allows after the recess.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Is my right hon. Friend aware that we on this side warmly congratulate her on bringing out this White Paper on time and on the enormous progress made since the establishment of her Ministry? Apart from the White Paper, does she expect to make any further policy statements in the near future?

Mrs. Castle

I do not think there would be much time for any more policy statements between now and the White Paper, but I think that my hon. Friend will find that there are some interesting policy decisions contained in it. While thanking him for his kind remarks, I would point out that my hon. Friends at any rate are anxious to see the success of the Government's work in overseas aid

Mr. Ioan L. Evans

I join with others in congratulating my right hon. Friend on producing this White Paper on the work of her Ministry, but may I ask her whether, in addition to our having a debate after the recess, there is any possibility of her issuing from time to time reports on the activities of her Department to stimulate in the country interest in the viral work of her Ministry?

Mrs. Castle

The White Paper will contain a good deal about the structure and the work of the Ministry. I certainly hope to have policy developments to report to the House from time to time.