HC Deb 09 November 1967 vol 753 cc1225-6
12. Mr. Gardner

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what proportion of Government aid overseas is currently allocated for technical assistance programmes.

Mr. Prentice

About 19 per cent.

Mr. Gardner

Would my right hon. Friend accept that probably the most valuable form of assistance we can give to developing countries is the sort of assistance which provides for the export of "know-how" rather than simply supplying budgetary aid? Will he seek to ensure that, in future years, this welcome increase in this type of aid is continued?

Mr. Prentice

Broadly speaking, I agree with what my hon. Friend has said. The amounts of technical assistance have been increasing in recent years, and although there are several other factors which may affect the future level of aid —whether or not it can be increased—I assure my hon. Friend that we certainly regard this as among the most valuable things we do.