HC Deb 08 December 1960 vol 631 c1413
5. Mr. G. M. Thomson

asked the Minister of Education when he expects to have completed the reformation of the United Kingdom Commission to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation; and whether he will make a statement.

Sir D. Eccles

The new national Commission was constituted in time to allow its members to meet the members of the Executive Board of U.N.E.S.C.O. when the latter visited the United Kingdom as guests of the Government in May. The first formal meeting was on 4th October.

A number of advisory committees have been set up and most of them held meetings before the start of the present session of the General Conference of U.N.E.S.C.O.

Mr. Thomson

Is the Minister aware that there will be a good deal of support for his efforts at Paris to make U.N.E.S.C.O. a more effective international body and, in particular, for his idea that 10 per cent. of international aid should be earmarked for educational development? Is the right hon. Gentleman also aware that there is a good deal of concern at the fact that the national Commission in this country is not a very active body, and will he match his efforts overseas by endeavouring to get the national Commission to be similarly vigorous in this country?

Sir D. Eccles

I shall need all the support that I can get to make U.N.E.S.C.O. an efficient body, and I will try to give the United Kingdom Commission a larger share in future.