HC Deb 31 March 1960 vol 620 cc1485-6
8 and 9. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Minister of Education (1) the reason for the long delay in seeking the reconstitution of the United Kingdom Commission on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, in view of the fact that it has not met since 1954;

(2) what progress he has made in reconstituting the United Kingdom Commission for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation; and if he will state the date of its inaugural meeting.

Sir D. Eccles

The United Kingdom Committee which acted as an executive committee of the National Commission met regularly and in 1958 made proposals for reorganisation. Invitations to join the new Commission have gone out and I hope shortly to announce its membership. Invitations to serve on the Advisory Committees will be sent out soon. I cannot yet state when the first business meeting will be held but I am proposing to invite the new Commission to meet the Executive Board of U.N.E.S.C.O. when it visits London at the beginning of May.

Mr. Pavitt

Is the Minister aware of the need to get ordinary people interested in the work of U.N.E.S.C.O.? When he is calling this Commission together will he consider getting representatives from such organisations as the trade unions and co-operative societies?

Sir D. Eccles

I am hoping to get a very representative Commission.