HC Deb 24 June 1963 vol 679 cc937-8
39. Mr. Warbey

asked the Lord Privy Seal what arrangements exist to enable individuals to make direct financial contributions to the peace-keeping activities of the United Nations.

Mr. Godber

There are no special arrangements for this purpose, I know of no reason, however, why individuals who so wish should not send voluntary contributions direct to the Secretary-General.

Mr. Warbey

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have made inquiries, following the statement made by the Under-Secretary of State in the Adjournment debate before the Recess, and find that there is no way in which individuals can contribute directly to the funds of the United Nations, and certainly not to a special peace-keeping fund? In view of the wide support among all parties in this House for the establishment of such a fund to enable people in this country and throughout the world to make individual contributions, will Her Majesty's Government now give support to this proposal, which has the support of Commonwealth and other countries in the United Nations?

Mr. Godber

A proposal has now been tabled in the form of a resolution in the United Nations in relation to this matter, and Her Majesty's Government will certainly give it sympathetic consideration. We do not wish in any way to detract from the value of voluntary contributions, but we wish to make it clear that the real responsibility for financing the United Nations is a matter for member States, and nothing must be done to derogate from that responsibility.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us what is the present position in the General Assembly, and how far we are succeeding in establishing the duty of members to contribute?

Mr. Godber

If the right hon. Gentleman will put down a Question I should prefer it. I would rather give him a considered Answer. There have been a number of discussions in the resumed Assembly, and a number of resolutions have been tabled, but I should like to give the right hon. Gentleman a full Answer, if he will put down a Question.