HC Deb 26 April 1960 vol 622 cc28-9
36. Mr. Parker

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what further action the Government propose to take to encourage British voluntary organisations to reach the present target set for dealing with the world refugee problem, in view of the approaching end of World Refugee Year.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Robert Allan)

Her Majesty's Government have from the beginning of World Refugee Year given every encouragement to the British voluntary organisations. They will continue to do so till the end of it.

Mr. Parker

Cannot the Government give a larger grant so as to stimulate voluntary assistance for the refugees?

Mr. Allan

I think that we may have an opportunity of discussing these questions in greater detail later this afternoon. My right hon. and learned Friend recently drew a distinction between the voluntary contribution of the individual and the compulsory contribution of the taxpayer, and I think that we have to bear that in mind in dealing with the Question which the hon. Member has just asked.