HC Deb 20 November 1967 vol 754 cc916-7
22. Dr. David Owen

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why no steps have been taken by Her Majesty's Government to stop the International Symposium on Industrial Development sponsored by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation taking place in Greece on 29th November.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

We do not want to disrupt the symposium, which has been arranged for the benefit of the developing countries of the world. The venue has now been confirmed by the General Assembly of the United Nations.

Dr. Owen

Is the Minister aware that Greece has been severely disrupted, and surely it is not too much to ask the United Nations to disrupt its programme and not to show tacit support for the present régime in Greece?

Mr. Roberts

The developing countries, for whose benefit this symposium is being arranged, have made it clear in the General Assembly that they are opposed to any change in the venue, and the General Assembly, on 25th October, accepted without a vote the report confirming the arrangements to hold the symposium in Athens.