§ 17. Mr. Oramasked the Minister of Overseas Development if he will consult with the officers responsible for the British Volunteer Programme with a view to providing for an exchange of volunteers between this country and developing countries under a system which would enable the volunteers from both ends first to enter upon a period of postgraduate study and then a period of social service.
§ Mr. WoodYes, Sir, but the necessary consultations will take some time, and I cannot at present say what the outcome will be.
§ Mr. OramMay I thank the right hon. Gentleman for at least taking this suggestion into account, and will he note particularly the element of mutual aid which is contained in the suggestion and the parallel with the Study and Serve Scheme on a contract basis, which has proved successful in his Ministry's operations?
§ Mr. WoodIf I may say so, the hon. Gentleman's suggestion is not only an interesting one but it is an obviously far-reaching one, and this is the reason why I think it will be necessary for the consultations to take some time. I will certainly take into account any points he would like to put to me.