§ 61. Mr. Kenneth Lindsayasked the Minister of Education how many meetings of the Conference of Allied Ministers have so far taken place; what executive responsibility the conference has been given; what is the relation of the conference to U.N.R.R.A.; and which body is responsible for providing educational equipment to European countries where the needs are urgent.
§ Mr. ButlerThe Conference has held 14 meetings and in addition its Executive Bureau has met on 25 occasions. Within the limits of its budget, the Conference has taken what steps it could to lay plans for assisting Allied Governments to restore their educational services and for promoting future co-operation in educational matters among the United Nations. U.N.R.R.A. has disclaimed responsibility for procuring or providing finance for educational materials or services, but will be kept in close touch with the work of the Conference. The responsibility for the supply of educational equipment rests primarily upon the Governments concerned, but the Conference took an active part in drafting the project for a United Nations Organisation for Educational and Cultural Reconstruction which will furnish a means of assisting in the provision of this much needed equipment.
§ Mr. LindsayIn view of the initiative taken by my right hon. Friend, could he say how many nations are required to confirm the tentative draft constitution before it can become workable, and whether he will now give a second initiative by confirming it by His Majesty's Government?
§ Mr. ButlerThe answer to the first part of the supplementary question is 20; the answer to the second part is that I think we can be very hopeful.