International Population Programmes

Overseas Development written question – answered at on 19 October 1981.

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Mr. Roper asked the Lord Privy Seal when he now expects to have completed the review of the Overseas Development Administration's population activities; and whether, in view of Her Majesty's Government's commitment to contribute more to international population programmes, he will expedite decisions on the consequential appointments.

Mr. Neil Marten: The review, of which I informed hon. Members on 21 July 1981—[Vol. 9, c. 781]—has been completed. As a result I have decided that the technical and professional staff at present employed in the population bureau and the administrative staff working on population matters should be drawn more closely together by integrating the bureau into my Department's health and population division. In addition, the division is to be strengthened by the appointment of a population programme officer to widen our advisory capacity. Recruitment of this officer is now in hand.

We will not now be appointing a new director of the population bureau. My original intention had been to appoint a director on a part-time basis. However, the programme officer will be a full-time appointment and will therefore slightly increase our advisory capacity.

These changes will come into effect immediately and I am satisfied that they will strengthen my Department's capacity in this important field.