§ 28. Mr. Noel-Bakerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British delegate to the United Nations Technical Assistance Pledging Conference is authorised to give undertakings for more than 12 months ahead.
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerI would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the reply which my hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Lichfield and Tamworth (Mr. Snow) on 26th October.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerWould the hon. Gentleman take into consideration the fact that this work of technical assistance is really vital to British interests? All the British Commonwealth benefits a great deal, but the work cannot be developed unless pledges are made for more than one year; and that for next year ought to be greatly increased.
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerI am quite sure that the Government will continue to give every assistance, but they cannot commit themselves financially for more than 12 months ahead.