§ 13. Mr. Skinnardasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what financial assistance has been given by the United Nations Relief Organisation for Palestinian Refugees to British voluntary societies which have sent out teams to work under the British Red Cross scheme.
§ Mr. BevinNo British voluntary society has sent out teams except the British Red Cross Society itself, which 188 has not received direct financial assistance from the United Nations Relief Organisation for Palestine Refugees. The Society has, however, received from the United Nations Relief Organisation for Palestine Refugees funds through the League of Red Cross Societies approximately £800 for the subsistence of five of the Society's staff for the period ending 31st March, 1949. A similar grant is anticipated for the period ending 30th June, 1949. The Society has also received assistance towards the running expenses of the British Red Cross Society Commission's transport.
§ 14. Mr. Skinnardasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how much of the £1 million given to the United Nations Relief Organisation by His Majesty's Government has been allocated to organisation expenses; and whether he is satisfied that the best use is being made of this donation in the actual relief of distress among Arab refugees.
§ Mr. BevinThe ratio which the administrative and operational expenses bear to the total contributions (including that of the United Kingdom) is 5.5 per cent., which is well within the percentage provided in the Mediator's estimates and approved by the General Assembly. In my view, the United Nations Relief Organisation are doing good work, considering that the resources made available to them are so limited.
§ Dr. SegalCan my right hon. Friend say whether part of the sums now available are being devoted to the purposes of rehabilitation as well as of relief?