asked the Secretary for Technical Co-operation what plans he has for the expansion of technical assistance to Latin America in the near future.

asked the Secretary for Technical Co-operation what proportion of expenditure on technical assistance is earmarked for Latin America in the current year; and what plans he has for further expanding technical assistance in this area.

Mr. Carr:

Over £500,000 has been allocated from my Department's funds to Latin America for this financial year compared with an expenditure of £90,000 last year. This year's figure represents about 2 per cent. of our total bilateral technical assistance expenditure and about 20 per cent. of that allocated to foreign countries. In addition, the British Council is allocating over £400,000 to Latin America much of which can be regarded as for technical assistance.

I congratulate my right hon. Friend on this increase. In which particular direction does he think our assistance might yet expand? What expansion does he foresee in opportunities for British experts to Latin America, particularly Peru?

Mr. Carr:

I shall have to have notice about Peru. I hope that the number of experts in Latin America will have risen to about 70 by the end of the year. It is probably in agriculture and natural resources work, and perhaps also in technical education, that I think we can most help.

While this expansion is appreciated, is 2 per cent. of our total overseas expenditure a proper proportion, bearing in mind the growing importance and, indeed, the size of the population of Latin America? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is well understood that we have special Commonwealth commitments but that there is a feeling on both sides of the House that Latin America has been too much neglected in recent years?

Mr. Carr:

I hope that an increase from £90,000 to £500,000 in one year will do something to redress the balance.