HC Deb 17 February 1969 vol 778 c24
14. Mr. Longden

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action Her Majesty's Government are taking to expedite the study by the United Nations Economic and Social Council of the feasibility of creating an international corps of volunteers for development which could enable youth to form an effective force for economic and social progress.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

General Assembly resolution No. 2460 of 15th January, 1969, requested the Economic and Social Council to undertake this feasibility study. Until the Council meets in July to discuss this request, nothing can be done to expedite the study. Meanwhile, we are carefully considering the subject, so that we can contribute fully to the discussions in July.

Mr. Longden

Would not such a corps provide the "global challenge" which is desired by those students genuinely concerned about the problems of the Third World, and also provide a means for helping to solve them?

Mr. Roberts

Indeed, it would. There are certain administrative difficulties of a quite serious nature, but we are disposed to support this move, and we hope that these difficulties might be overcome with the benefits which the hon. Gentleman has so graphically described.