HC Deb 12 July 1971 vol 821 cc29-30
34. Sir G. Sinclair

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he hopes to set up additional development divisions.

37. Mr. Oram

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affair if he proposes to establish further development divisions similar to those in Barbados and Beirut.

Mr. Wood

When I replied to the recommendations of the Select Committee, I said that I could not yet say what would be the outcome of the study now being made of this matter. This is still the position.

Sir G. Sinclair

But in view of our development aid programmes in Malawi, Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland, and in view of the importance of showing con-cen for African advance in that region, will the Minister not now set up a development division to help co-ordinate our assistance and to make high-level professional advice available on the spot?

Mr. Wood

No, Sir. I cannot do it now, because I am still waiting for the study which is being made of the general principle affecting the development divisions. As my hon. Friend knows, I am generally sympathetic to this. I believe that the two which exist are very helpful. The area which he mentioned is one area that I have in mind for a possible future division if such were recommended.

Mr. Oram

Have not the two existing divisions conclusively proved themselves in terms of value for money, and are they not fully accepted as useful instruments by the countries whose territories they serve? Why, then, is it necessary to go into a long investigation of the principle of the matter? Is that not already agreed and can we not look forward to fairly ready action in the matter?

Mr. Wood

I entirely accept what the hon. Gentleman says about the two existing divisions. I have already tried to make that point, but the principle is important, because the principle is obviously different in the Middle East or the Caribbean from that in other parts of the world. That is why it is important that we should look at it.

Mrs. Hart

What has been the cause of the year's delay in taking further consideration of a development division for Southern Africa? It was already at a planning stage over a year ago. What has happened since then?

Mr. Wood

It is still at a planning stage and I hope that before long I shall be able to relieve the right hon. Lady's anxiety. I know she is keenly interested in this matter.