HC Deb 18 November 1959 vol 613 cc1137-8
33. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what report he has had from the United Kingdom representative on the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation in respect of a plan to abolish malnutrition in the Mediterranean region; and if that plan will receive the full support of Her Majesty's Government.

Mr. R. Allan

The Mediterannean Development Project of the Food and Agriculture Organisation was discussed by Commission I of the Tenth F.A.O. Conference on 11th November. The project received general support, including that of Her Majesty's Government. The draft report to the Plenary Meeting is still under discussion.

Mr. Sorensen

While expressing appreciation of the assurance that Her Majesty's Government are supporting this project, may I ask whether the hon. Gentleman is aware that in fact the assertion is that under this project malnutrition can be abolished within fifteen years? May we take it that Her Majesty's Government will financially support the project when it is in operation?

Mr. Allan

We will give general support, but I cannot go into details until the draft report has been submitted to the Plenary Council.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

May I press the Joint Under-Secretary on the fact that this report is really of vast importance to the Mediterranean countries? It has been prepared over a long period of time with the greatest possible care. Cannot he say that the Government will support any international plan for adequate loans and carry out the plan when it is agreed to?

Mr. Allan

I have said that we shall give general support, but the details have not yet been worked out. It is impossible for me to commit the Government until we have seen the detailed proposals.