HC Deb 02 December 1953 vol 521 cc1128-9
1. Dr. Stross

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has noted the work, details of which have been sent to him, of the Save the Children Fund in Korea, which has established a centre in Pusan for the purpose of teaching Korean doctors and midwives modern methods of maternity and child welfare; and whether he will allocate funds in order that at least two more such centres be established.

The Minister of State (Mr. Selwyn Lloyd)

The answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir." As regards the second part, Her Majesty's Government's contributions towards relief and reconstruction in Korea are made through United Nations agencies, and in particular through the United Nations Korean Reconstruction Agency. Her Majesty's Government do not, therefore, feel able to make a direct contribution to the fund referred to by the hon. Member.

Dr. Stross

While accepting the inherent difficulties in making direct contributions which might open the door to any charitable organisation to enter, may I ask the Minister if he thinks it possible, in view of the importance and desirability of this rather fine piece of work and the cost to the organisation mentioned in the Question, that a further specific contribution or part of the contribution already made to the United Nations might be earmarked by the Government for this purpose?

Mr. Lloyd

I entirely agree with the hon. Member about the fine work that is being done by this fund. I do, however, think that on the whole it is an undesirable precedent to earmark funds or portions of them for particular purposes. In fact, the Reconstruction Agency has allotted 2,600,000 dollars to the various voluntary agencies, and part of that money has gone to this fund.

Dr. Stross

Does the right hon. Gentleman not remember that there is a precedent for doing this three years ago, when the sum of £10,000 was allocated through the Relief Organisation for Refugees to help Arab refugees?

Mr. Lloyd

I will look at that precedent, but I can really hold out no hope.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider giving moral support to the Save the Children Fund by sending a Government message backing its work?

Mr. Lloyd

I will certainly consider that.