§ 37. Sir R. Aclandasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what instructions were given to the British representative attending the recent United Nations Committee to consider the size of the Budget for the United Nations Technical Assistance Programme for 1954; whether the size of the Budget has now been determined; and what will be the British contribution.
§ Mr. NuttingThe programme for 1954 must depend on the funds available. It will be worked out by the Technical Assistance Board, on which Governments are not represented. The pledges made by contributing Governments amount so far to $23.7 million. The size of the programme for 1954 has not yet been announced, and will depend on whether pledges are made by other countries. As regards the contribution of Her Majesty's Government, I would refer the hon. Baronet to the reply given to the hon. Member for Blackburn, East (Mrs. Castle) on 11th November.
§ Sir R. AclandThe hon. Gentleman has not answered the first part of my Question. Is he aware that the Press 351 release of the conference shows that the British representative there did not make any suggestion that the countries of the world should increase the size of the programme, and, indeed, denied that any financial difficulties were involved? Was that done on the instruction of the Government, or was it on the British representative's own responsibility?
§ Mr. NuttingIt is not for Her Majesty's Government to lecture other Governments in this matter. It is for Her Majesty's Government to set an example, and we set an example by increasing our contribution by 20 per cent.
§ Sir R. AclandOwing to the very unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.