HC Deb 01 December 1952 vol 508 cc1095-6
40. Sir J. Crowder

asked the Minister of Food if he will consider the possibility of reducing the expenditure of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, in view of the charge on his Estimates of £270,200 for the current year.

Major Lloyd George

It is the Government's policy to secure whatever economies are possibly without prejudicing the good work the Organisation undoubtedly does, especially to increase food production.

Mr. Mitchison

Has the Secretary-General of this body resigned yet?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Since F.A.O. is engaged in increasing food production all over the world, and is playing a very large part in technical assistance to the underdeveloped countries, will the Minister resist any penny-wise proposal for reducing its budget?

Major Lloyd George

I agree that it is doing extremely good work, particularly in educating countries which are backward in technical knowledge, and that really it is an indirect way of growing more food which is a very good one.

Mr. Sorensen

May we take it that the Minister does not agree with the Question of his hon. Friend?