§ 3. Mr. Higginsasked the Minister of Overseas Development what studies his Department has made to ascertain whether items of equipment, no longer economic at United Kingdom labour/ capital/fuel cost ratios, would still be economic in developing countries; how their scrap values compare with their potential value overseas; and whether the Government would consider adding such items to the existing aid programme.
§ Mr. PrenticeThe use of our aid funds depends on development priorities in the receiving countries. There has been no significant demand for supplies of secondhand machinery or for studies concerning its use. We would be ready to consider any such requests with every sympathy.
§ Mr. HigginsCould not the United Kingdom Government take an initiative? Is it not the case that much of the equipment scrapped is economically obsolescent but not physically worn out? Will he not initiate studies, particularly into the capital goods which could be used for infrastructure?
§ Mr. PrenticeSome studies have been made under U.N. auspices and there is the work in this country of the Intermediate Technology Group, with which my Department is in close touch. If these lead to a conclusion which would result in our doing more in this direction, we should certainly consider doing so.