HC Deb 03 February 1954 vol 523 cc361-2
51. Mr. R. Harris

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what percentage of the United Kingdom contribution for the technical assistance programme of theUnited Nations was spent by the United Nations Organisation in the United Kingdom on the provision of technicians from this country.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

I am informed by the United Nations Secretariat that approximately 71 per cent. was spent in the United Kingdom on technicians' salaries and allowances in 1953. Rather more than the balance went towards fellowships and scholarships for nationals of under-developed areas to come here for training purposes, and towards fares, equipment and administration, all spent in this country.

Mr. Harris

Would my right hon. Friend bear in mind recent reports in the American Press that America receives twice as much from having the United Nations located in her territory as she actually subscribes towards the United Nations?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

That may be, but it is very difficult to isolate one part of United Nations expenditure.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Does the hon. Gentleman's answer mean that directly this country makes a net gain on our balance of payments from the technical assistance work, apart from the indirect advantage to British exports of developments abroad?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

That is so, on this one particular item of United Nations' activities.

52. Mr. R. Harris

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what percentage of the United Kingdom contribution to the General Fund of the United Nations is spent in the sterling area.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

The figure for 1953 is approximately 9 per cent.