§ 1. Mr. Longdenasked the Minister of Overseas Development how many graduate volunteers served overseas in 1966–67; how many are expected so to serve in the current financial year; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Minister of Overseas Development (Mr. Arthur Bottomley)Graduate volunteers serve, not for a financial year but for the academic year beginning in September. In the year 1966–67, 1,240 graduated qualified volunteers are serving overseas. For the academic year 1967–68 recruiting is proceeding with a target figure of 1,300.
§ Mr. LongdenI thank the Minister for that reply but I think that the number is rather fewer than was expected for this year. Is the shortfall due to lack of funds? If so, how many volunteers are the Government prepared to finance? Or is it due to lack of volunteers, in which case cannot more be done to recruit them?
§ Mr. BottomleyI think that it is a combination of all factors. We welcome as many recruits as we can get, consistent with our ability to pay.