HC Deb 04 December 1957 vol 579 cc354-5
24. Mr. Moss

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has considered the United States policy of supporting the Special United Nations Fund for Economic Development in principle subject to savings accruing from a general disarmament agreement; and to what extent that is also the policy of Her Majesty's Government.

31. Mr. Marquand

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the United Kingdom delegation at the United Nations Assembly has been informed of the resolution of the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe that member Governments should work for the early establishment of a Special United Nations Fund for Economic Development; and what instructions he has given to the delegation concerning the action they should take when this matter is debated in the United Nations Assembly.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

I have considered the views of the United States in this matter; and I have informed the United Kingdom delegation to the United Nations of the resolution of the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe.

The attitude of Her Majesty's Government towards the creation of the Special United Nations Fund for Economic Development remains generally unchanged. The issue is not one of principle but of finding the money. This matter is however closely linked with that of the United States proposal for expansion of the United Nations Technical Assistance Programme which we are still considering sympathetically, as I have just stated.

Mr. Marquand

Does not the right hon. and learned Gentleman appreciate that when all the other nations of Europe are in favour of going ahead with this plan, he might—although he may disagree with suggestions coming from this side of the House—take seriously some suggestions which have come now from the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe, and which are known to be shared by most of the European Governments?

Mr. Lloyd

I take very seriously suggestions which the right hon. Gentleman makes on this matter. The issue here is not one of principle. This country is already spending something like £75 million a year on economic assistance in one way or another to under-developed countries. We have very heavy burdens to bear and the point here is the question of finding the money.

Mr. Marquand

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that if he can get the good will of other European nations, he can get additional money by enlisting the support of Scandinavia, and other European countries.

Mr. Lloyd

I do not dispute that fact, but in stating our own position we have to have regard to existing commitments.