§ Mr. James Johnsonasked the Minister of Overseas Development what steps she is taking to assist the fishing industries of developing countries, particularly in the supply of technologists.
§ Mr. WhitakerMy Ministry, which has its own Fisheries Adviser, provides both capital aid and technical assistance for fisheries development. Forms of assistance made to most countries include the provision of grants and loans for capital equipment and works; funds and staff for research; and assistance both for the education and training of local people and in recruiting and supporting British experts for service overseas. A unique 52-week course began in October, 1968. In its first year, four students from developing countries attended under British auspices; 10 students will attend its second year. All the students are at post-graduate level and will become Fisheries Officers on return to their countries of origin. At the end of 1968 44 British experts were in service overseas. A further 4 experts have been appointed since then and 8 requests for experts remain outstanding, for which recruitment is now being undertaken.