HC Deb 14 July 1955 vol 543 cc2110-1
67. Mr. F. Noel-Baker

asked the Minister of Education what instructions he has given to the United Kingdom delegates on the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation regarding the dismissal by the Director-General of employees who refused to appear before the loyalty boards in their own countries.

Sir D. Eccles

It is not the practice of Her Majesty's Government to disclose beforehand the instructions given to United Kingdom delegates at meetings of international organisations.

Mr. Noel-Baker

But surely the House is entitled to have some indication of the Government's attitude to this very serious problem, which is interpreted by some people as meaning persecution of international civil servants. I do not want to go into the merits of this case, but if the right hon. Gentleman is not to give us information about these instructions, how can we on this side find out the Government's attitude to this problem?

Sir D. Eccles

I do not see how I can take that position without disclosing the instructions that would be given to our delegates, and that is contrary to normal practice. The meeting is not until 9th November, and therefore there is considerable time to think this over.