HC Deb 04 May 1967 vol 746 cc708-9
3. Sir G. Sinclair

asked the Minister of Overseas Development, in view of the leading part played by British initiative in spreading ideas on the rôle of intermediate technology in the improvement of agriculture and rural living standards in the developing countries, what help he plans to give to the Intermediate Technology Development Group.

Mr. Bottomley

I agree that the Intermediate Technology Development Group is doing useful work.

Members of the Ministry of Overseas Development headquarters staff and special units attend its meetings and collaborate in its activities. I hope that it will be able to meet its expenses without recourse to financial assistance from the Government.

Sir G. Sinclair

Since Britain has achieved a world "first" in intermediate technology, will not the Minister translate his good will and interest into practical assistance by looking again at the application for a grant from this Group?

Mr. Bottomley

I think that this kind of activity is better carried on by a non-official organisation, unhampered by official restrictions on the use of its money or by Ministerial accountability for its actions

4. Sir G. Sinclair

asked the Minister of Overseas Development if he will initiate a study to see what further contribution Great Britain can make to improving agricultural production and rural standards of living in the developing countries by assisting in the wider application of those ranges of intermediate technology which the United Kingdom has pioneered in many parts of the world.

Mr. Bottomley

I accept the need to promote the use of these kinds of technology. We are already active in this field. We are closely in touch with the Intermediate Technology Development Group and are always receptive to its ideas.

Sir G. Sinclair

As the Minister has been very coy about promising any financial assistance, may I ask him to give the House some extra assurance that he intends to give practical help by granting a high priority to the work of this Group, which is of paramount importance in increasing agricultural productivity, the most important form of econmic activity for the developing countries?

Mr. Bottomley

I share the hon. Gentleman's enthusiasm, and can assure him that if the Group itself brings anything to my attention I will gladly see that it is looked into.