§ 2.25 p.m.
§ LORD ALPORTMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether any action is being taken or is contemplated to meet the growing needs of British communities resident overseas for help in providing educational, health and welfare facilities abroad and re-employment prospects on their return to Britain, and whether such provision is being made through the British Council or through any other comparable agency.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS AND FOR THE COLONIES (LORD TAYLOR)My Lords, it is one of the essential tasks 798 of British Missions, whether in the Commonwealth or other territories, to assist and support the many-sided activities of British communities overseas. The officers concerned are always ready to advise or help individuals, firms or voluntary organisations. With regard to education, many good local schools have in the past been founded by British subjects, and have benefited both local and British children. In addition, the British Council assists many schools in which British and indigenous children are taught together. With regard to health and welfare, some countries have reciprocal agreements with Britain, so that British people may use local national health services. Many British firms help their employees to meet medical expenses. With regard to employment, the Ministry of Labour provides business training courses for British people returning from overseas, and does its best to find suitable jobs for them. As to the future, what we can do must depend on decisions about priorities and on our balance-of-payments situation.
§ LORD ALPORTMy Lords, rather than delay our Lordships on an occasion like this, perhaps I may ask the Minister whether I may come and discuss the matter with him and his Department after the Recess.
§ LORD TAYLORMy Lords, that we shall indeed be very pleased to do.