HC Deb 20 May 1957 vol 570 cc836-7
12. Mr. Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what was the attitude expressed by the United Kingdom delegate on the United Nations Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East to the statement of the International Confederation of Free Trades Unions in which they call for the early establishment of a Special United Nations Fund for Economic Development.

Mr. Ian Harvey

There was no discussion in the Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East of the statement made by the International Confederation.

Mr. Brockway

Can we expect some change in the attitude of the British Government when the United Nations Assembly meets next autumn? Have not thirty-two Governments now endorsed this scheme, and could it not be put into operation if the British and American Governments agreed?

Mr. Harvey

I cannot at this point add to the very full statement which we have already made, but, as the hon. Gentleman knows, there are reports expected on this subject at the present time at the United Nations. Obviously, when those reports become available we shall study them.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

Will Her Majesty's representatives in the Economic and Social Council in Geneva take a more constructive attitude about this than they have done in the past?

Mr. Harvey

I have no doubt they will examine these reports as and when they come forth.

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