§ 8. Mr. Gardnerasked the Minister of Overseas Development if, when examining the effect of devaluation on overseas aid, he will give priority to the technical assistance programme.
§ Mr. PrenticeYes, Sir. Technical assistance accounts for nearly one fifth of our aid programme this year and the proportion is likely to be higher next year.
§ Mr. GardnerCan my right hon. Friend confirm that when the effects of devaluation are taken into account the technical assistance programme will not have to suffer?
§ Mr. PrenticeWe have already announced that we are making adjustments to the salaries and allowances of technical assistance personnel serving in countries which have not devalued. I do not think it will be possible to increase the total size of our technical assistance provision next year, but bearing in mind that the whole programme takes the effects of devaluation, the proportion spent on technical assistance will be somewhat larger.