§ Mr. Oramasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to what extent the recruitment for posts overseas is being made more difficult by 114W the increasing rate of retirement of those of served in the Colonies ; whether he will institute a scheme of British associate experts, comparable with the United Nations scheme, to enable young people to gain overseas experience which would qualify them for contract posts ; and what other proposals he has to meet this problem.
§ Mr. WoodThe ease or difficulty of recruitment for overseas posts depends on various factors. It is not retirement which is in general making the situation more difficult.
The countries concerned are more able to supply their own skilled manpower. This is why I do not propose to establish a general scheme of British associate experts comparable with the United Nations scheme. Where special need exists, there are already arrangements for enabling some professional young people to gain additional expertise and overseas experience. The various arrangements cover specialists in natural resources, doctors and economists.
The British Volunteer Programme also offers experience overseas to many young people with basic professional qualifications. I hope that this will lead them to spend part of their career in developing countries.