§ 38. Mr. Ginsburgasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government are now in a position to announce their decision regarding a further contribution to the World Refugee Year.
§ Mr. Ormsby GoreAs my hon. Friend the Joint Under-Secretary of State informed the House in the debate on the World Refugee Year on 26th April, the Government's decision with regard to a final contribution will be announced before the end of the World Refugee Year which takes place in the United Kingdom on 31st May.
§ Mr. GinsburgI appreciate what the Minister of State has said, but would it not be a graceful gesture on the Government's part to cease being so coy and, now that World Refugee Year is nearing its close, to announce their further contribution without any delay?
§ Mr. Ormsby GoreThese matters are being very carefully considered at the moment.
§ Mr. GaitskellHas not this matter been under consideration for a very long time? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a strong feeling on both sides of the House, particularly in view of the magnificent response of the British people to the appeal for funds, that the British Government should long ago have increased their contribution? Are we really to understand that we must wait until the very end of May before any statement is made? Would it not be much more graceful to come out with an announcement immediately that the Government are prepared substantially to increase their contribution?
§ Mr. Ormsby GoreSome of the considerations which the right hon. Gentle-ment has put before the House are very much in our minds, but we have already made one increase in the contribution and we are now considering what further measures we can take.