HC Deb 19 November 1951 vol 494 cc30-1
59. Mrs. Castle

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what instructions have been given to the British delegation to the United Nations General Assembly with regard to the proposal made by sir Benegal Rau, on behalf of India, for the creation of a United Nations Fund for war against human misery in the underdeveloped areas and for the diversion to this fund of part of the money now being spent on re-armament.

Mr. Eden

As a member of an earlier delegation to the General Assembly, the hon. Lady will understand my reluctance to prejudice the work of our delegation by revealing their confidential instructions. She may rest assured, however, that His Majesty's Government will continue to play as full a part in the development of backward areas as our financial position allows.

Mrs. Castle

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that Sir Benegal Rau is anxious at least for this proposal to be discussed, provided he can get sufficient support in the Commonwealth for its being put on the Agenda? That is all I am asking at this stage—that he should be given that support and that the matter should be discussed.

Mr. Eden

I had not understood that that was the hon. Lady's purpose. Certainly we are entirely willing that it should be discussed, and I will see that the necessary instructions are given.