HC Deb 08 July 1968 vol 768 cc16-9
15. Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on what basis the Government appoints British representatives and delegations to international organisations; how many professional civil servants, how many members of the public, how many peers and how many Members of Parliament have been so appointed during the past year; and whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT full details of all those at present having such responsibilities.

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Maurice Foley)

These appointments are generally decided, after any necessary consultation, by the Minister responsible for United Kingdom relations with the organisation concerned. The delegations consist of officials, experts from Government service or private organisations, and, in some cases, Members of Parliament. During the past year 246 professional civil servants, 34 members of the public, 8 peers and 54 Members of Parliament, including members of Her Majesty's Government, have been so appointed.

I will, with permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of our permanent representatives to international organisations in the economic and social field.

Mr. Judd

While thanking my hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him if he will agree that it is rather unsatisfactory that the House does not have more detailed information available about these faceless, however dedicated, men negotiating international policy on our behalf, and that it strengthens the argument for a Select Committee which can keep in touch with all these aspects of detailed policy?

Mr. Foley

I am not aware of any view that says such a thing as faceless people. Information on representation at all international organisations is public knowledge and all Members of Parliament should be aware of it.

Following is the list:

United Kingdom Permanent Mission to the United Nations, New York

United Kingdom Mission to the Owce of the United Nations and other international organisations in Geneva

United Kingdom Delegation to O.E.C.D., Paris

United Kingdom Delegation to the Council of Europe, Strasbourg

United Kingdom Delegation to the European Communities, Brussels

International Labour Organisation United Kingdom governmental members of

International Atomic Energy Agency and United Nations Industrial Development Organisation

Mr. J. F. Wearing (resident in Vienna), Alternate Governor, I.A.E.A. and United Kingdom Representative, U.N.I.D.O.

Mr. N. M. Hansford (resident in Vienna), Adviser to the Alternate Governor, I.A.E.A. and United Kingdom Deputy Representative U.N.I.D.O.

International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and International Monetary Fund

Mr. E. W. Maude, Executive Director, I.M.F., and I.B.R.D.

Mr. M. P. J. Lynch, Alternate Director, I.B.R.D.

Mr. V. G. Huntrods, Alternate Director, I.M.F.

Mr. I. Craik.

The Western European Union

United Kingdom Representative on the Permanent Council.

The Viscount Hood, K.C.M.G.

Food and Agriculture Organisation

Mr. A. A. W. Landymore, United Kingdom Permanent Representative to the F.A.O., Resident in Rome.

U.N.E.S.C.O.

Mr. L. C. J. Martin, United Kingdom Permanent Delegate to U.N.E.S.C.O.

Miss S. K. Guiton, United Kingdom Deputy Permanent Delegate to U.N.E.S.C.O. (resident in Paris).

Dame Mary Smieton, D.B.E., United Kingdom Member of the U.N.E.S.C.O. Executive Board.

World Health Organisation

Sir George Godber, K.C.B. (Chief Medical Officer for England and Wales), United Kingdom Member of the W.H.O. Executive Board.

World Meteorological Organisation

Dr. B. J. Mason (Director General of the Meteorological Office), United Kingdom Congress Member and United Kingdom Member of the Executive Committee.

International Civil Aviation Organisation