HC Deb 27 November 1950 vol 481 cc786-7
57. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the total amount subscribed by the Government to the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund; what information he has as to the number of children still needing the assistance of this fund; and to what extent assistance is being given in Korea.

Mr. Ernest Davies

The total remains as stated in my reply to my hon. Friend's Question of 19th June. No satisfactory estimates exist of the number of children needing assistance. The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund is despatching to Korea a variety of relief supplies, including blankets, milk, cod liver oil, soap and medical supplies.

Mr. Sorensen

Are we to understand from that reply that no further contribution is to be made, or is contemplated, to this fund? Is my hon. Friend satisfied regarding the amount of support and relief being given in Korea at the present time?

Mr. Davies

It is not contemplated that His Majesty's Government will make any further contributions to this fund. As regards the second part of the question, already half a million dollars' worth of supplies are on their way to Korea, and the fund has been asked to authorise a further half million dollars' worth.

Earl Winterton

In view of the great interest taken on both sides of the House in this matter, from an entirely non-party point of view, will the hon. Gentleman consider placing in the Library a statement about the number of refugees coming within this category? It might deal with child refugees, with special reference to Korea. We have very little information on the subject.

Mr. Davies

His Majesty's Government have also very little information on the subject, but to the extent that we can obtain information we shall certainly see that it is made available in whatever ways are appropriate. We have no estimate at present of the number of needy children in the world.

Mr. Sorensen

In view of the need, which is very urgent, in the case of Korea, will His Majesty's Government consider the possibility of making a further contribution to the fund?

Mr. Davies

This fund is only one of a great number. We do not consider that the best way of meeting the needs of children is necessarily through a fund of this kind. A great number of children are relieved through the United Nations fund and other relief funds. In view of the very heavy contributions we make to these funds we have to consider the best way we can use the funds which are at our disposal.