§ 38. Mr. Goodhartasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will give details of the composition and terms of reference of the expert Committee set up by the United Nations on Public Information; and if he will state the name and qualifications of the United Kingdom representative on that body.
§ Mr. Ian HarveyYes, Sir. The decision to set up this Committee was taken at the last Session of the United Nations General Assembly. The Committee consists of six individuals. They were appointed by the Secretary-General of the United Nations after they had been nominated by the Governments of the United Arab Republic, India, the Soviet Union, the United States, the United Kingdom and Uruguay. Their instructions are to undertake a review and appraisal of the work, the methods used and the effectiveness of the results achieved by the Public Information Services of the United Nations with a view to recommending possible modifications designed to ensure maximum effectiveness at the lowest possible cost. The Committee is to report before the Thirteenth Session of the General Assembly opens on 16th September.
The United Kingdom Member of the Committee is Mr. R. A. Bevan of Messrs. S. H. Benson Limited, advertising agents. My right hon. and learned Friend would like to express his appreciation of Mr. Bevan's willingness to undertake this task to which he brings a high degree of technical experience and professional knowledge.
§ Mr. GoodhartIs my hon. Friend aware that his reply will give satisfaction to those of us who have been anxious about the administration of these funds earmarked for public information?