§ 28. Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many experts in telecommunications have been supplied to developing countries in the last year; what support has been given to supplying British-made equipment; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WoodForty-two experts were recruited during 1973; and in the previous year about £1.9 million was provided from British aid funds for the purchase of British equipment for telecommunications projects in 1972.
§ Mr. PavittI welcome the aid which is being given, but would the right hon. Gentleman look again at the help being given in embassies and high commissions to the export of telephone equipment? I have in mind in particular Associated Automation in my constituency, which is doing excellent work in Zambia and a number of other countries because of the support given through the Minister's Department. In other areas, however, the situation is like a desert. Will the right hon. Gentleman issue instructions to every embassy?
§ Mr. WoodI think that all our posts abroad are well aware of the importance of these exports. Not only are we doing what I outlined in my original answer, but it would be difficult to calculate the money from general loans which also are devoted to this purpose. I shall see that our posts are made well aware of this matter.