HC Deb 04 July 1977 vol 934 cc875-6
32. Mr. Brocklebank-Fowler

asked the Minister of Overseas Development if she has completed her review of the best methods of transferring appropriate technology to developing countries; and if she will make a statement.

The Minister of State for Overseas Development (Mrs. Judith Hart):

An official working party has recommended that existing aid activities to promote intermediate technology should be intensified. It also recommends a number of new activities to be supported initially by at least £500,000 a year from the aid programme. I have accepted the recommendations, which, I believe, constitute an important step in our policy of increasing the emphasis in the aid programme on the poorer groups in the developing countries. The report will be published today.

Mr. Brocklebank-Fowler

I am grateful to the right hon. Lady for that full reply. In the course of the review and consultations, was the Department of Trade included, and did its officials share with me and others of my right hon. and hon. Friends concern at the growing loss of trade which we are undergoing in our trade with the least developed countries? Second, has the right hon. Lady looked specifically at the commercial possibilities and opportunities which may exist for the transfer of appropriate technology?

Mrs. Hart

There were, as is normal, interdepartmental consultations on this matter. As for the hon. Gentleman's second point, he may have noticed—I am sure that he has—the statistics which I gave in Cardiff a week ago about our loss of trade with developing countries. I am profoundly convinced that we have a tremendous opportunity to expand trade and British exports with developing countries if we produce products appropriate to their needs. I greatly hope that this will be the beginning of an effort to promote just that, although, of course, it is only one aspect, and can be only one aspect, of a drive in that direction.

Mr. Spearing

I congratulate my right hon. Friend on the announcement she has just made, but can she tell us a little more about where the £500,000 will be spent? Will it be spent in overseas countries of the Third World or in this country, or, if not, where?

Mrs. Hart

I think that it will probably be spent mainly in supporting groups in this country which are promoting the development of intermediate technology. For example, I am certain that the Intermediate Technology Development Group will play a full part in this initiative. I think that the money will be mainly spent here.