HC Deb 30 July 1998 vol 317 cc462-3W
Mr. Chidgey

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the task forces and advisory groups composed of independent members which have been set up by her Department since 1 May 1997, indicating in each case(a) their remit, (b) their membership, (c) how many members are (i) scientists, (ii) engineers, (iii) small business people or representatives of small businesses, (d) any remuneration members receive for their services and (e) their budget. [53287]

Mr. Foulkes

We established earlier this year a Development Awareness Working Group, whose terms of reference are as followsThe Development Awareness Working Group will advise DFID on the development and implementation of its strategy on development awareness.

Specifically it will consider: The relative priority of different target groups and organisations including schools, colleges, providers of adult education, development education groups or centres, employers and trade unions. Key themes and messages. The most effective materials and channels for communication. How to measure progress in improving public awareness of development issues. How to ensure proper coverage of different parts of the UK, as well as ethnic and religious groups. How to set DFID activities in the context of wider UK activity on development awareness and to ensure coherence with other Government sponsored or funded activity.

The current membership of the Group is:

  • George Foulkes, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State
  • Professor Tim Brighouse
  • Ms Libby Grundy
  • 463
  • Mr. Stephen McCloskey
  • Mr. John Sutton
  • Mr. Doug Bourn
  • Mr. Ashok Ohri
  • Mr. Tony Robinson
  • Mr. David Mackenzie
  • Mr. Scott Sinclair
  • Mr. Tom Wylie
  • Ms Bisi Adeleye Fayemi
  • Mr. Dan Rees
  • Ms Judith Hemery
  • Ms Jaya Graves
  • Mr. John Fisher
  • Ms Jane Nelson
  • Mr. Derek Walker
  • Dr. Kim Howells MP
  • Ms Tany Alexander
  • Ms Liz Cumberbatch
  • Ms Elenid Jones
  • Mr. Jon Snow
  • Mr. Phil Hope MP
  • Mr. Paddy Coulter.

Members are drawn from a range of backgrounds including formal and informal education, the media, churches, business, non-governmental organisations, youth groups and different ethnic groups. We do not have detailed information on the background of all members. However, none has been appointed specifically because of having a background in science, engineering or small business. Members of the group receive no remuneration other than travel and subsistence costs and do not control any budgets.