HC Deb 16 July 1970 vol 803 cc250-1W
59. Mr. Hardy

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what further steps are proposed to promote Voluntary Service Overseas; and how many young persons are currently engaged overseas in this service.

Mr. Wood

Voluntary Service Overseas, and the other voluntary societies co-operating in the British Volunteer Programme plan to continue and expand their efforts to publicise the programme among young people. Special attention will be paid to increasing the supply of volunteers with technical and vocational qualifications. 1,896 volunteers are at present overseas under the auspicies of the programme.