HC Deb 27 July 1949 vol 467 c2453
18. Mr. Thomas Reid

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action he proposes to take on the proposals of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations organisation for the economic development of backward areas.

The Minister of State (Mr. McNeil)

His Majesty's Government warmly support the principles underlying the United Nations proposals for the economic development of under-developed areas and intend as far as their resources permit to make an appropriate contribution to the cost of implementing these proposals in the form in which they emerge from the discussions now taking place in the Economic and Social Council at Geneva.

Mr. Reid

Have the council made any proposal for financing these developments by members of the United Nations?

Sir T. Moore

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question will he say whether the proposals will include, in addition to economic developments, sartorial developments?

Mr. McNeil

I imagine that they will refer to working clothes.