HC Deb 25 November 1964 vol 702 cc199-200W
Mr. Pavitt

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what plans she has for an early expansion of the programme for service overseas by volunteers.

Mrs. Castle

The targets for sending volunteers abroad in 1965, for whom recruitment has already started, will be increased from 1,000 to 1,200 for graduates, and from 300 to 400 for school leavers and apprentices. The voluntary societies concerned, which have done excellent work on this programme, have agreed to these increases. The Government will, as already arranged, pay 75 per cent. of the British costs of this programme, which are estimated at about £900,000, and Parliament will in due course be invited to make provision for this expenditure.

I shall hope to make an announcement about the programme for 1966 during the first three months of next year.