HC Deb 20 July 1965 vol 716 cc177-8W
2. Mr. Jackson

asked the Minister of Overseas Development how many volunteers have been recruited under the auspices of the Voluntary Service Overseas from agricultural institutions for the years 1964 and 1965, respectively; how many teachers in agricultural and veterinary subjects have been requested for each Commonwealth territory, respectively; and to what extent these needs have been met.

Mr. Oram

In 1964 16 volunteers were recruited from agricultural institutions by the four voluntary bodies concerned. So far in 1965 51 have been recruited.

In 1964, 37 requests were received from Commonwealth countries and 25 were met. For 1965 there are 45 requests and so far 32 volunteers have been recruited.

The figures for each Commonwealth country are as follows:

REQUESTS FROM COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES IN 1964 AND 1965 FOR VOLUNTEER TEACHERS IN AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY SUBJECTS.
1964 1965
Country Requests Recruited Requests Recruited
Basutoland 2 2 1 0
Bechuanaland 2 2
British Guiana 1 1
Ghana 3 0
India 1 1 4 2
Jamaica 2 0 3 2
Kenya 9 7 8 5
Malawi 3 3 3 3
Malaysia 1 1 6 4
Mauritius 1 1
Nigeria 6 1 1 1
Sierra Leone 1 1 1 0
Swaziland 2 2
Tanzania 2 2 10 9
Uganda 2 2 3 1
Zambia 2 2 2 2
37 25 45 32

16. Lord Balniel

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what is her present estimate of the number of graduate volunteers who will be going to serve overseas during the year 1965–66.

Mr. Oram

About 900. In my Written Answer to the noble Lord's Question on 8th July I estimated the number at between 900 and 950. The latest in- formation suggests that the total will be nearer 900.

17. Lord Balniel

asked the Minister of Overseas Development why she has slowed down the expansion of the graduate volunteer overseas service scheme for the year 1966–67.

Mr. Oram

The rate of expansion depends on the rate at which volunteers come forward; the finding of suitable work for them; and the strengthening of the organisation of the voluntary societies which run the programme. All concerned with the programme have agreed that next year's target is right.