HC Deb 17 July 1967 vol 750 cc1519-20
10. Mr. Luard

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress of the meetings of the United Nations Special Committee on Peace-keeping.

29. Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what initiative he now intends to take to ensure the creation of an effective United Nations peace-keeping organisation.

82. Mr. Colin Jackson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made at the meetings of the United Nations Special Committee on Peace-keeping; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. George Brown

The Special Committee agreed only that its Mandate should be renewed. The General Assembly approved this proposal and the Committee is to report to the 22nd Session of the Assembly.

Lord Caradon set out the views of Her Majesty's Government at the Special United Nations Assembly on the 22nd May, to which I have nothing to add. In general, Her Majesty's Government will continue to advocate the practical proposals on United Nations peacekeeping which I outlined in my speech to the United Nations General Assembly on 11th October last.

Mr. Luard

Given the fact that there has been no appreciable progress on this subject at all, either in the Peace-keeping Committee or in the General Assembly, for the last three to four years, has not the time come for the Government to get together with other Governments which support peace-keeping operations, especially those which have earmarked forces for this purpose to consider both their organisational and operational problems and the financing of these forces?

Mr. Brown

There is a Question later about the basis on which the peacekeeping force should operate, but I certainly agree with my hon. Friend that we must discuss, not only with friendly Governments, but with all Governments of the United Nations, the basis of peace-keeping operations.

Sir Alec Douglas-Home

The right hon. Gentleman will recollect the Prime Minister saying that certain units of Her Majesty's forces had been earmarked for a force to support the United Nations and in any case of need would be immediately ready. Can the Foreign Secretary say which they are and where they are?

Mr. Brown

Not without notice. Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will put a Question down.

Sir Alec Douglas-Home

Which are they? Can the right hon. Gentleman say that?

Mr. Brown

I do not think that that question arises out of this at all. The Question on the Order Paper is about a statement on the progress of the meetings of the United Nations Special Committee on Peace-keeping. I have answered this and if the right hon. Gentleman has any question in mind I will be happy to answer it if he would put it down.