§ 13. Mr. Hamlingasked the Minister of Overseas Development what steps he will now take to increase aid to technical colleges in developing countries; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. OramIf we are to increase our aid in this field—and we certainly want to within the limits of our aid programme—the Governments of developing countries must give technical education appropriate priority. This is one of the main lessons of the very successful conference on the training and education of technicians in Commonwealth countries which was held at Huddersfield in October, the report of which has just been published. We shall be discussing further with Governments concerned at the fourth Commonwealth Education Conference, due to be held in November, how we can best help them.
§ Mr. HamlingIs my hon. Friend aware that, in recent discussions with overseas students in this country who come from developing countries and whose fees are going up, it was said that more facilities ought to be provided in developing countries? Will he ask the Minister of Overseas Development to take what steps he can to try to offset these increases in fees by increasing aid to developing countries?
§ Mr. OramIt has always been our policy to help with the establishment of technical institutions in developing countries, and we are continuing to seek practical ways in which that policy can be furthered.
§ Sir F. BennettIs not the hon. Gentleman aware that the concern expressed by his hon. Friends on this subject is shared on this side of the House? Does not he agree that the recent increase in fees has led to a moral and practical 693 obligation to do more for technical colleges and universities overseas and that the Government should not just talk about it but should take practical steps?
§ Mr. OramWe are not just talking about it. We are doing a great deal, as the hon. Gentleman will see if he studies the White Paper.