§ 16. Mr. Geoffrey Lloydasked the Minister of Overseas Development if he will take steps, in consultation with the voluntary organisations concerned, to extend the period for which the majority of young qualified volunteers are sent overseas, and to improve their qualifications.
§ Mr. OramThese important questions are constantly reviewed by the Ministry and the voluntary bodies concerned.
§ Mr. LloydIs it not important to review these matters to make sure that British volunteers compare favourably with those from other countries in respect of their qualifications and the length of time they stay to do a job in the countries concerned?
§ Mr. OramYes, Sir. This is most important. I think that our volunteers do compare very favourably with volunteers from other countries. But length of service and training are important considerations which we have in mind.
§ Mr. MolloyCan my hon. Friend confirm that liaison between his Department and the educational authorities is proceeding in this respect?
§ Mr. OramYes. I can assure my hon. Friend that we have constant contact with 1406 schools and local education authorities on these matters.
§ Mr. John HyndWill the Minister tell us whether there is any evidence whatever for the suggestion which has been made in the Press about the low quality of British volunteers?
§ Mr. OramThe reports in the Press to which my hon. Friend refers have been taken somewhat out of context of the Report on which they are based. I am very well satisfied that our young people compare very favourably with those from other countries.