§ Mr. Cyril Smithasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will reconsider his decision to abolish the development education fund; and what representations to do so he has received.
§ Mr. Neil MartenNo. The decision to reduce progressively Government financing of development education was based on the need to give priority, within a limited aid programme, to activities which will benefit more directly those living in the Third world.
We have received 155 representations in support of continued support from public funds for development education. These have come mainly from church-based groups and development-orientated voluntary organisations.
§ Mr. Cyril Smithasked the Lord Privy Seal how many public education schemes, at local level, have been provided by the development education fund in the past five years.
§ Mr. Neil MartenSince the development education fund was established in January 1977 146 development education projects at local level have been financed.