§ 48. Mr. Donnellyasked the Prime Minister whether the official statement made in Rome on 8th November by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food represents the policy of Her Majesty's Government.
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir.
§ Mr. DonnellyIs the Prime Minister aware that, despite the soporific statements of the Minister of Agriculture just now, the speech of the right hon. Gentleman in Rome has caused a very severe crisis in the Food and Agricultural Organisation, the Director-General of which as stated in The Times, has threatened to resign? Is he aware of the importance of this kind of organisation in the competitive co-existence beginning now? Will he state the policies of Her Majesty's Government towards it?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think the position is quite as critical as the hon. Gentleman has put it. With his wide knowledge of international affairs, he cannot think that it is as bad as that. The Commission asked for a considerably increased Budget, and my right hon. Friend, while not disagreeing to some increase, did say that he thought the increase might be examined and slightly reduced, which is not an unusual exercise in any international organisation and could sometimes be beneficial.