HC Deb 16 July 1963 vol 681 cc34-5W
73. Mr. Loveys

asked the Secretary for Technical Co-operation whether he will now take further steps to encourage British university staff to serve in universities in developing countries in the Commonwealth.

Mr. Carr

Yes. On the advice of the Committee for University Secondment, I am proposing to supplement existing arrangements by offering a limited number of special awards to outstanding men and women in British universities who are willing to serve for at least two years in selected posts in universities in developing countries of the Commonwealth. Each award will be £1,500 a year and will be additional to the total emoluments ordinarily paid to British university staff in the countries concerned. The first award will be made in 1964.

Overseas universities are being consulted about the posts they would like to be filled in this way. I am also, of course, consulting British universities and academic institutions and I am confident that they will give their full co-operation in arranging for the selection and secondment of people of high distinction.

I hope this scheme will be seen as a further indication of the importance that Her Majesty's Government attaches to service overseas.