HC Deb 19 June 1950 vol 476 cc862-3
61. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what amount we have contributed during each of the past six years to the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund; what is now the total available funds for the work of the United Nations; and in what British territories service from this fund is being given.

Mr. Ernest Davies

The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund has only been functioning since 1947. His Majesty's Government contributed £100,000 in August, 1948. In addition, the Fund has received £1,650,000 from His Majesty's Government's contribution to U.N.R.R.A. and over £350,000 from voluntary subscriptions raised in 1948 by the Lord Mayor's United Nations Appeal for Children. The total available resources of the Fund as at 6th June, 1950, were $5,970,000. Allocations have been made to the following British territories: British Honduras. Brunei, Hong Kong, Malta, Malaya. North Borneo, Sarawak, Singapore.

Mr. Sorensen

Is my hon. Friend satisfied with our contribution, and can he say whether we are paying a proportionate amount to the central fund, compared with other countries?

Mr. Davies

Yes, Sir, I think that our share, in view of the amount which was paid over as a result of our contribution to U.N.R.R.A., is a very considerable sum, and we have certainly completed our share.

Mr. Sorensen

Can my hon. Friend say whether the amount received in our colonial areas is at all equivalent to the amount we have paid?

Mr. Davies

It is very much less.