HC Deb 13 November 1957 vol 577 cc958-9
66. Mr. Langford-Holt

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the cost to date to Her Majesty's Government of the recent series of meetings of the Disarmament Sub-Committee at Lancaster House; and what daily charge is made by the United Nations Organisation to Her Majesty's Government for the services of translators at the meetings of the Disarmament Sub-Committee.

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

The cost to date to Her Majesty's Government of the recent series of meetings of the Disarmament Sub-Committee at Lancaster House between 18th March, 1957, and 9th September is £1,927 14s. 0d. This is principally accounted for by the provision of suitably furnished accommodation at Lancaster House and the provision there of the necessary equipment for simultaneous interpretation of the proceedings. No charge is made by the United Nations to Her Majesty's Government for the services of translators at meetings of the Disarmament Sub-Committee. These costs are paid by the United Nations.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Would not the Minister agree that regardless of who pays—because what the United Nations pays we pay—it would be much easier and more satisfactory to use translators who are here and are ready and competent to do the job?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

My hon. Friend is now talking about the subject of his next Question on the Order Paper.

67. Mr. Langford-Holt

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why it was necessary to bring Russian language translators from New York to the proceedings of the Disarmament Sub-Committee when competent and qualified translators were already available in this country.

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

All arrangements for the provision and payment of Russian language translators were made by the United Nations, which no doubt used, as far as possible, members of its existing staff.

Mr. Langford-Holt

In view of the fact that the United Nations' existing staff presumably had to cross the Atlantic to get here, would not a saving have been effected if the United Nations had made use of translators already in this country?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

The arrangements were obviously under the control of the United Nations. If a number of translators are paid by the year it is unlikely to be a saving to pay for new translators in the United Kingdom.

68. Mr. Langford-Holt

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the nationality of the United Nations chief administrative officer at the recent meetings of the Disarmament Sub-Committee.

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

The chief administrative officer from the United Nations at the 1957 meetings of the Disarmament Sub-Committee was of Jordanian nationality. He returned to New York in May, after which the administration of the meetings was handled by the documents officer, whose nationality was British.