HC Deb 24 November 1955 vol 546 cc1626-7
10. Mr. Marquand

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the policy of Her Majesty's Government in regard to the finances of the Food and Agriculture Organisation.

Mr. Amory

I would refer the right hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Newbury (Mr. Hurd) on 17th November.

Mr. Marquand

Will the Minister kindly tell us what proportion of this Organisation's 7 million dollar budget is the share of Her Majesty's Government?

Mr. Amory

I cannot answer that question without notice. We are the second biggest contributor.

Mr. Willey

Would the right hon. Gentleman agree that it is very disturbing to know that we have been voted off the Council, and that this seems to be a reflection upon our conduct at the F.A.O.? Will the right hon. Gentleman personally look into this matter to see that we maintain our good name in this very important international organisation?

Mr. Amory

I have no observations to make on the fact that we have not been re-elected to the Council. I have no apologies to make about our attitude to the F.A.O. We have been completely loyal to the Organisation, and have taken, and are taking, a most active part in its operations. What we, with many other countries, have tried to ensure is that its activities should be centred as far as possible on practical projects, rather than on the enlargement of its headquarters staff.

Mr. Marquand

On a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this subject on the Adjournment.

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