§ Mr. Robert Cookeasked the Secretary for Technical Co-operation what action Her Majesty's Government proposes to 135W take to help developing countries overseas to meet their need of material for educational television programmes.
§ Mr. VosperI am very pleased to be able to say that a Centre for Educational Television Overseas will shortly be established in this country. Its function will be to give advice and help to developing countries on the use of television for educational purposes.
At the suggestion of Her Majesty's Government the Nuffield Foundation took the initiative in bringing together people interested in launching this project. The Foundation has played a leading part in bringing the Centre into being and is putting up £100,000 over five years towards the cost. The Independent Television Companies are also subscribing £100,000; and a number of firms and trusts are between them putting up about a further £50,000.
The B.B.C. has also offered full support in the form of technical facilities and other services.
I should like to pay tribute on behalf of the Government to all these bodies.
Her Majesty's Government is also contributing £100,000 over a five-year period, which is an indication of the great importance which it attaches to the establishment of the Centre.