HC Deb 23 February 1965 vol 707 cc215-6
15. Mr. Francis Noel-Baker

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what communication she has received from the United Nations in respect of the United Kingdom contribution to the United Nations Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance and the Special Fund for the year 1965.

Mrs. Castle

As I said in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend on 9th February, the British contribution for 1965 will be $1.75 million more than the contribution in 1964. Both Mr. Owen, the Executive Chairman of the Technical Assistance Board, and Mr. Hoffman, the Managing Director of the Special Fund, have publicly expressed their appreciation of the increase.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Is my right hon. Friend aware that we on these benches are gratified that the Government, despite the economic situation inherited from their predecessors, have been able to make this substantial increase, which will be of great encouragement to other Governments, in spite of the fact that the United States has not yet been able to make a pledge?

Mrs. Castle

I am grateful to my hon. Friend. It was our intention by this step to reaffirm our belief in the work of the United Nations in this direction.

Mr. R. Carr

The right hon. Lady should know how much we on this side of the House welcome the increase. Is she aware that she is, in fact, honouring a pledge given by my right hon. Friend the Member for Bexley (Mr. Heath) last year at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development?

Mrs. Castle

The right hon. Member for Bexley gave a pledge but did not quantify it. We have agreed to make a specific increase of 17½ per cent. I hope that the right hon. Gentleman would have done as much had he remained in office.

Mr. R. Carr

Is the right hon. Lady aware that our previous increase in the year before that was 25 per cent.?

Mrs. Castle

The right hon. Gentleman is quite wrong.

Mr. R. Carr

It was two years ago.

Mrs. Castle

No increase was made by the Conservative Government last year.