HC Deb 04 December 1987 vol 123 c721W
Miss Lestor

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what part his Department will play in the United Nations International Literacy Year of 1990; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mellor

On 20 November we supported the resolution in the third committee of the United Nations General Assembly which formally proclaimed 1990 as the International Literacy Year. In deciding how to allocate our bilateral aid we shall continue to attach considerable importance to the vital role that education can play in the development of aid-recipient countries. We shall also continue to make clear in the appropriate form that we support the international community's efforts to eradicate illiteracy worldwide.