HC Deb 21 February 1972 vol 831 cc210-1W
Mr. Bishop

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if Her Majesty's Government has carried out a survey of public reaction with regard to Government spending on helping poorer countries; and with what results.

Mr. Wood

The Office of Population Censuses and Surveys last summer published the results of a survey, the field work for which was done in the winter of 1969–70. A copy is available in the Library.

The survey is not a simple poll. It analyses attitudes and motives. The results show overwhelming sympathy—four-fifths of the sample—for the idea of rich countries helping poorer countries and a clear majority—over three-fifths—in favour of Britain, in particular, so helping. Public reaction to the many questions put, and put in different ways, is fully analysed. I commend the study to hon. Members who are interested.

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