HC Deb 21 May 1963 vol 678 cc164-5
5. Mr. Prentice

asked the Secretary for Technical Co-operation if he will review the British contribution to the United Nations Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance and to the Special Fund; if he will increase the contribution for the 1963 programme and pledge a large contribution for 1964; and if he will take steps to persuade other governments to do likewise.

Mr. Carr

The British contributions to these funds in 1963 were the result of a most careful review. They represent a 25 per cent. increase over 1962, and I fear that they must be regarded as final for this year. The level of contributions for 1964 will be considered in the autumn. Her Majesty's Government will certainly do their best to support the United Nations in its attempts to obtain contributions from its members.

Mr. Prentice

May I appeal to the right hon. Gentleman to think in terms of a big increase for 1964 when this matter is under review in the autumn? Will he acknowledge that when we supported the resolutions on the U.N. Development Decade eighteen months ago we pledged ourselves, and other countries pledged themselves, to a big expansion in this work, but until now expansion has not measured up to what was intended then? Can he think in terms of a big increase in 1964 and subsequent years?

Mr. Carr

One would like to make a big increase in all these things, and what the hon. Member has said will be borne in mind, but I am sure that he will be the first to agree that we must consider the whole of our aid programme and not simply one portion of it, however important that may be.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

Is it not of special importance that in 1964 the full target of 100 million dollars for this Special Fund should be attained? Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that if we increase our contribution we secure a further additional contribution from the United States?

Mr. Carr

Certainly, and I am sure that the right hon. Gentleman will be aware that we have already set a fairly good example with a 25 per cent. increase and that we are and always have been the second largest contributor.