asked the Minister for Health in view of: (1) the fact that medical care in the remoter and poorest regions of the Third World is insufficient to meet even the most basic needs of the people, (2) the fact that the lack of medical equipment and supplies is the cause of much sickness and death in these regions, (3) the emphasis placed by the World Health Organisation on the need to develop the health infrastructure in the developing countries and (4) the Government's stated support for the sick and needy in the developing countries, if he will permit and encourage through financial assistance this country's health boards to send their surplus medical equipment and supplies to individual hospitals or medical agencies in the Third World.

The most effective way of providing assistance of the type referred to by the Deputy is through the Government's official aid programme. The Government's National Plan Building on Reality provides for an increase in the level of assistance to be provided under this programme over the period of the plan.