§ 35. Mr. Prenticeasked the Lord Privy Seal whether Her Majesty's Government will increase the number of United Nations Bonds to be purchased by this country, in view of the decision of the United States Senate to make the purchase of bonds over the value of $25 million, up to a maximum of $100 million, dependent upon the United States' figure being matched by the total purchases of other countries.
§ Mr. P. ThomasNo, Sir.
§ Mr. PrenticeWould the hon. Gentleman agree that the policy of Britain on this matter could have an influence on the eventual purchases made by the United States and perhaps other Governments? Could he at least promise the House that the Government will keep this under review and make sure that no action of theirs will prevent the financial crisis in the United Nations being solved by adequate purchases of these bonds?
§ Mr. ThomasYes, Sir. I am sure that our policy can and does have an influence on the United Nations. Our purchase of £12 million worth of bonds was one of the first to be announced, and it is still the second largest, the American purchase being the biggest. But it is the most that we are prepared to contemplate.
§ Mr. MayhewMaybe this is the second largest contribution, but it is nothing like enough in relation to What we need to give to the United Nations in order to erase the impression that the Government are half-hearted in their support of the U.N.