§ 6. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Minister of Overseas Development whether he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy in relation to the Pearson and Jackson Reports.
§ Mr. WoodThe Government consider that the Pearson Report is an extremely important policy document in the field of international development and intend to take full account of its recommendations in deciding their own policies. The Government also welcome, in general, the findings of the Jackson Capacity Study 820 and are seeking international agreement on giving effect to them.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopWhile welcoming that Answer as far as it goes, and welcoming the right hon. Gentleman's appointment to his present office, may I ask whether he could do something to help in re-establishing the Specialist Committee of the House on Overseas Aid, which did valuable work in helping to interpret both these Reports?
§ Mr. WoodI have no wish, particularly after the hon. Member's kind remarks, to try to dodge his question, but I think he will find that it must be directed elsewhere.
§ Mr. TilneyWill my right hon. Friend consider the importance of private enterprise investment in developing countries and the need for that investment to be insured against political risks?