§ 9. Mr. Hooleyasked the Minister of Overseas Development what contribution is currently being made by the Central Electricity Generating Board, the Gas Council and the National Coal Board towards helping developing countries by technical assistance, secondment of staff or in other ways.
§ Mr. OramThey have permitted the secondment of their engineers to serve in developing countries and have accepted trainees from such countries, including; 38 sponsored by my Department in 1967–68. They are also drawn upon for advisory services.
§ Mr. HooleyDoes my hon. Friend agree that public utilities are very important aspects of the growth of developing countries? Will he encourage these nationalised bodies to continue this kind of service and even increase it?
§ Mr. OramI agree with my hon. Friend. Such public bodies possess a vast experience which could be of help to developing countries and I hope that the secondment of experts will continue.