HC Deb 15 April 1969 vol 781 cc976-7
29. Mr. J. H. Osborn

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will now take steps to increase overseas investment, at the expense of overseas aid and expenditure on defence, following the meeting of the United Nations panel on Foreign Investment in Developing Countries.

Mr. Diamond

No, Sir.

Mr. Osborn

Was the Treasury represented at the United Nations conference, did it take note of the recommendations, and is it aware of a recommendation to the effect that overseas investment is a good way of providing aid?

Mr. Diamond

I am aware of that, of course, but the point of the conference was that it concluded, as opposed to what the hon. Gentleman put in his Question, that investment and aid should go hand in hand.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

Have the Government had a report from the representative of this country who attended, Sir Duncan Oppenheim, and would it be possible for his report to be made public?

Mr. Diamond

I am not informed about the intentions of making it public, but I will look into the matter and let the hon. Gentleman know.