HC Deb 03 May 1966 vol 727 cc1399-401
8. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what was the approximate amount spent last year on projects which were identifiable as being for the extension or promotion of co-operative societies.

Mr. Oram

It is possible to give a figure for the amount spent on the encouragement of co-operative development only in respect to the provision of experts and to the activities, such as training courses, which are financed [...]n the United Kingdom. This is currently estimated to be in the region of £100,000 per annum.

An unjustifiable amount of labour would be involved in identifying the amount spent on overseas activities since it is mainly contained within aid given in the form of general budgetary support or in support of development plans.

Mr. Pavitt

Is there a plan to increase this over the next five years? Is my hon. Friend aware that of all technical assistance this is probably the most helpful at the grass roots?

Mr. Oram

There is no specific plan for an increase, but my hon. Friend is aware that we are anxious to help the development of co-operatives whenever we can. I agree with him that this is a most important form of technical assistance.

9. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Minister of Overseas Development how many experts in the development of co-operative societies are at present being provided to overseas Governments; and if he will give their names, the type of co-operative advice covered, and posts of duty, in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Oram

Eight experts provided under technical assistance were in post during the past year advising overseas Governments on co-operative questions.

Hon. Members

Hear, hear.

Mr. Speaker

Order. It is not worth as long an interruption as that.

Mr. Oram

I thought for a moment, Mr. Speaker, that you were referring to the Answer, not to the arrival of my hon. Friend the Member for Pontypool (Mr. Abse).

I will, with permission, circulate the information requested in the OFFICIAL REPORT. In addition, there are approximately 45 British officers serving in posts concerned with co-operatives in overseas administrations under the Overseas Service Aid Scheme.

Mr. Pavitt

Is my hon. Friend aware that the sartorial elegance of my hon. Friend the Member for Pontypool (Mr. Abse) made it difficult to hear the reply? Will he take into consideration the fact that the I.L.O. has a similar programme to that which he has announced? Will he make representations to his right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour to have representatives from his Department at I.L.O. conventions on co-operatives?

Mr. Oram

I will bear that suggestion in mind. I recently had a talk with the Director-General of I.L.O. in which these matters of co-operative development were discussed.

The following is the information:

Name of Expert Description Post
J. S. Roberts Adviser on Co-operative Education and Training Nigeria
J. H. Thomas Adviser on Co-operative Banking Nigeria
D. L. B. Quennell Co-operative Society Auditor Malawi
J. C. Elphick Co-operative Society Auditor Malawi
J. J. Guy… Adviser on Co-operatives Uganda
R. C. Gates Expert on Co-operative Training Uganda
M. C. Wordsworth Co-operative Adviser Iran
H. R. H. Kelly Co-operative Marketing Officer Bolivia