HC Deb 01 June 1965 vol 713 cc1501-2
24. Mr. R. Carr

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what progress she has made in her study of how Great Britain can best provide for high-level training and study in the field of public administration and economic planning.

Mrs. Castle

Good progress has been made, but I am not yet in a position to make a statement. I assure the right hon. Gentleman that I attach much importance to this project and I will make an announcement as soon as I am in a position to do so.

Mr. Carr

Is the Minister aware that discussions were well advanced at least a year ago regarding the establishment of a special institute in this country for this purpose with a certain university? Is it not rather disappointing that as much as a year later she cannot say anything more definite?

Mrs. Castle

I agree with the right hon. Gentleman that endless discussions went on under the former Government, but no policy decisions were taken. I hope to be able to announce a policy decision soon.

Mr. Carr

Is the Minister aware that, as so often, she is quite incorrect about this? Is she aware that this matter was put to Commonwealth countries months ago—indeed, about a year ago—and that, while I would not blame her for this, some of the delay may have occurred in waiting for replies from Commonwealth countries? Would she agree that the delay has not been due to the lack of a decision being taken a year ago?

Mrs. Castle

The right hon. Gentleman is quite wrong. The proposal which I thought he had in mind, and which certainly I had in mind, was for the provision of facilities in this country. That is a matter for decision by Her Majesty's Government, who are now in process of taking that decision.

Mr. James Johnson

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the first-class college of this nature in Paris which caters for that country's overseas students? Will she look at the work that is done in that country in this sphere?

Mrs. Castle

I am aware of the work that is being done in other countries, not only in Paris, but also in The Hague, which I recently visited. There is a special training institution there. I think that the proposals which we have in mind will do very great credit to this country and will be at least as good as those in other countries.

Mr. Hornby

Is not the Minister in a position to make any reference to any action that may be taken following the reference made to this subject in the last communiqué arising out of the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference a year ago?

Mrs. Castle

The action which I have taken has arisen from my own approach to this problem since taking over this bring it to fruition in a remarkably rapid Ministry. I think that I am going to time.