HC Deb 07 July 1958 vol 591 cc20-1
25. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Health whether he will make a contribution to the World Health Organisation's Malaria Fund.

Mr. R. Thompson

It is not possible in present circumstances to supplement the contributions which we make to the Regular Budget of the World Health Organisation. We are in any case already making substantial contributions in this field.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman not recognise that here is here an urgent problem, an attempt to get rid altogether of malaria in the world, and that here is a chance which we may lose if action is not taken quickly? Does he not recognise that the regular budget of the W.H.O. does not nearly provide for the sort of funds which are needed? Why does not Britain in this case at least accept the leadership of the United States, which has made a considerable contribution to this Fund?

Mr. Thompson

I do not think we need stand in a white sheet on this matter. We are the third largest contributor to the regular budget of W.H.O., and we contribute heavily to the United Nations Technical Assistance programme and Children's Fund, both of which play a prominent part in anti-malarial work, and all this takes no account of the money we spend on colonial development and welfare and under the Colombo Plan.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Before the hon. Gentleman turns this down altogether, may I ask him to ask the Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer to look at the implications of this matter again, in view of the very high scientific advice which is available that this is a most urgent world problem and that we stand to gain from its solution as well as everybody else in the world?

Mr. Thompson

Yes, but we are opposed to the creation of special funds financed by voluntary contributions—which are, I think, what the hon. Gentleman has in mind—for organisations which are normally financed by compulsory assessment on member States.