HC Deb 05 May 1969 vol 783 cc23-4
28. Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, in view of recent condemnations of Great Britain by the United Nations Committee of 24, whether it is his policy to continue British membership of that Committee.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

Yes, Sir. Although we continue to meet criticism in the Committee, we believe that we should continue to explain our policies there.

Mr. Griffiths

I accept that there needs to be a balance between the advantages of remaining and the advantages of going, but does not the hon. Gentleman agree that there are at least two arguments in favour of the "empty chair"? The first is that nothing is to be gained by simply providing an Aunt Sally, and the second is that the staff of our Mission in New York are already over-extended and could do much better work than going to this rather biased Committee.

Mr. Roberts

I wholly disagree. We are not only the butt of criticism in the Committee but also a very effective member, putting forward a constructive policy of de-colonisation. The Committee is now examining the future of small States and micro-States in which we are prominently involved and to which we have a very important contribution to make.

Mr. Luard

Is my hon. Friend aware that we should be just as much of an Aunt Sally whether we were members of the Committee or not? Given that we are likely to be the subject of attacks anyway, is it not better for us to be there in order to put our point of view and defend the actions of the British Government?

Mr. Roberts

I entirely agree.

Sir D. Walker-Smith

Can the Minister of State tell us whether all the member nations of the Committee are up to date with their subscriptions?

Mr. Roberts

Not without notice.