HC Deb 22 October 1952 vol 505 cc1005-6
48. Lady Tweedsmuir

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the United Kingdom will now become a member of the Provisional International Committee for the Movement of Migrants from Europe.

Mr. Nutting

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave her on 29th July. Since then, the Executive Director of the Provisional International Committee for the Movement of Migrants from Europe has made fresh representations to Her Majesty's Government, these are under consideration.

Lady Tweedsmuir

Is the Under-Secretary aware that should Britain become a member of this organisation it would cause great satisfaction on the Continent, because of Britain's great knowledge of migration problems? Is it not a fact that the financial contribution expected of the United Kingdom is not very great and that she would be able to recoup a large part of it from the benefits which would come to her through shipping?

Mr. Nutting

As regards the first part of the supplementary question, I entirely agree that this action would be welcomed in Europe; but there are other considerations which have to be taken into account. The contribution which we have been asked to make is of the order of £70,000 a year.

Mr. Noel-Baker

In view of the fact that members of the Commonwealth belong to this organisation and that it is engaged on work of great importance both to Europe and the Commonwealth, ought not this Government to belong to it?

Mr. Nutting

I shall certainly take note of what the right hon. Gentleman has suggested.