§ 2. Mr. Juddasked the Minister of Overseas Development what is the extent of British financial assistance to the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation World Literacy Campaign.
§ Mr. OramI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my right 1561 hon. Friend the Member for Derby, South (Mr. Philip Noel-Baker) on 19th May—[Vol. 723: c. 296.]. Her Majesty's Government's contribution towards the cost of the World Experimental Literacy Programme in the biennium 1967/68 will be approximately £155,000. In the previous biennium it was £85,000.
§ Mr. JuddWould my hon. Friend not agree that the development of world purchasing powers, which is so essential to our economy, depends on literacy and that we should therefore give all encouragement to this campaign, with, if possible, a special grant, following Persia's example?
§ Mr. OramI agree about the great importance of this subject, but manpower is as important as money, and we are doing a great deal in the provision of experts. On the question of following Iran's example, my right hon. Friend the present Minister of Housing and Local Government replied to my hon. Friend the Member for Salford, East (Mr. Allaun) on this subject on 14th June.