HC Deb 20 July 1977 vol 935 cc575-6W
Mr. Hoyle

asked the Minister of Overseas Development when it was decided to make a grant to the Catholic Association for Overseas Development for the establishment of a co—operative textile workshop in Chile; where it is to be sited; and when it will be completed.

Mrs. Hart

The Catholic Association for Overseas Development was informed on 2nd February 1976 that funds would be made available for certain purposes, including small sums to assist in the training of people involved in setting up cooperatives and also for provision of seed and equipment for agricultural cooperatives. Subsequently, it was agreed to allocate the greater part of the funds available to the establishment of a co—operative textile centre in Santiago, where unemployed Chileans could be given facilities for producing and marketing different textile products. A building was purchased in Santiago and equipment installed. Production has now started on a small scale and it is envisaged that the numbers of workers will increase during 1977. This is a small programme of aid channelled to the poorest people in Chile, including relatives and children of prisoners, through the Catholic Church organisations.

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