§ 1. Mr. Laneasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on the progress of the work of the United Nations Special Committee on Peace-Keeping.
§ The Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. Joseph Godber)The Special Committee on Peace-keeping Operations has for the past two years been working on a comprehensive report to be submitted to the General Assembly on United Nations military observer operations. Little progress has so far been made.
§ Mr. LaneAs a further step towards extending United Nations influence in areas where peace may be fragile, will the Government do everything possible inside and outside the United Nations to ensure that any Middle East settlement is reinforced by a restored United Nations presence, diplomatic and, if necessary, military?
§ Mr. GodberIt would be our wish that we as a member of the United Nations should help in any way possible with regard to the Middle East settlement. It is too early to say what the outcome will be, but we are in close touch with other parties concerned.
§ Mr. FoleyIn view of the breach of the peace in Guinea recently, can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the mind and attitude of the Government towards this situation and what they propose to do in the United Nations?
§ Mr. GodberThis is a little wide of the Question. There has been a fact-finding Mission and the Security Council will be debating its report later today I think.