HC Deb 23 April 1970 vol 800 cc608-10
10. Mr. Goodhart

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what plans she has for reducing the number of civil servants employed in her Department in the United Kingdom; and what plans she has for increasing the number of representatives from the Minister of Overseas Development serving overseas.

Mrs. Hart

The answer to the first part of the Question is "None, Sir ". I am considering setting up additional development divisions overseas but am not in a position to make any statement at present.

Mr. Goodhart

Is the Minister aware that there are 25 civil servants serving in the United Kingdom in her Department for every representative of Her Majesty serving overseas, and that many experts think that the administration of the aid programme would be improved if this balance were shifted? Many of us think that the regional development centres do an excellent job in providing a link between the Ministry and individual recipients. Will the Minister say whether she is proposing to set up new centres?

Mrs. Hart

In answer to the last part of the supplementary Question, I cannot yet say, but I will do so as soon as I can; these matters are under consideration. I think that the hon. Gentleman may be a little confused in breaking down the total number of O.D.M. staff in Britain. This includes about 1,000 who are in our special units, for example, the Directorate of Overseas Service, the Tropical Products Institute and the other institutes which we finance and which are not directly concerned with administration of aid but are staffed by specialists, scientists, surveyors, and so on.

Mr. Tinn

Is my right hon. Friend aware that those of us who have seen the excellent work done in the Middle East by the Regional Development Commission at Beirut welcome the statement that she is considering setting up other offices, and we hope that she will soon come to a conclusion?

Mrs. Hart

I am grateful for my hon. Friend's comments on the Middle East. Had he visited the Caribbean Development Commission ha would have been even more reinforced in this view, and it is this which is leading me now to consider the establishment of further divisions.