HC Deb 07 December 1953 vol 521 cc1598-9
14. Mr. Noel-Baker

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Her Majesty's Government, in making contributions to the fund administered by the Technical Assistance Board of the United Nations, will apply the same principles that they apply to contributions to the Colombo Plan.

Mr. Nutting

No, Sir. The Colombo Plan Technical Co-operation Scheme was set up for a period ending on 30th June, 1957,whereas the United Nations Expanded Technical Assistance Programme is of indefinite duration. Her Majesty's Government do not feel that it would be right for them to commit Parliament to continuing contributions over an indefinite period of years.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Since development work cannot be organised on a satisfactory basis either under the Colombo Plan or under the United Nations Expanded Technical Assistance Programme unless there are pledges for more than 12 months in advance, cannot we apply the United Nations' system of a three-year pledge to the Colombo Plan?

Mr. Nutting

No, Sir, because the Colombo Plan was for a definite duration whereas the Technical Assistance Programme is for an indefinite duration. Her Majesty's Government do not think it right to commit Parliament to continue contributions for a period of indefinite duration.

Mr. Noel-Baker

I was not suggesting an indefinite period. I was suggesting three years, which is the indispensable minimum for this work to be done without waste?

Mr. Nutting

I will consider that point again, as the right hon. Gentleman puts it to me, but I do not think it right that we should embark upon the precedent of committing Parliament for future years, and thereby tying the hands of Parliament when it comes each year to voting the Estimates.

Mr. Beswick

As, earlier, some of the hon. Gentleman's backwoodsmen behind him showed impatience when his right hon. and learned Friend referred to a credit of £42 million for India, will the hon. Gentleman make it plain that that money is owed by us to India anyhow?

Mr. Nutting

I was not aware of any impatience among my hon. Friends, so that supplementary does not seem to arise.

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