§ 1. Mr. Martenasked the Minister of Overseas Development whether the British Development Division in Barbados has yet recruited an education adviser and a public works engineer; and if he will make a statement on the work of these officers concerning primary education in the Leeward Islands.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Overseas Development (Mr. Albert E. Oram)An educational advisor has been recruited and has recently taken up his post. We hope to appoint a public works engineer shortly. These experts will be available to advise any Government in the area on matters within their fields of activity. I am sorry that I cannot say anything at this stage about particular projects.
§ Mr. MartenIs the Minister aware that in some of these primary schools in the Leeward Islands there are something like 400 children being educated in one classroom? Would he say whether this Development Division has funds which it can devote to this problem once these officers are working?
§ Mr. OramI am aware of the seriousness of the problem. The hon. Gentleman had an Adjournment debate on the subject. The Development Division has no funds; it is there to advise the Government in the use of funds available to it direct from here.