§ 1. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much the Government contributed to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation for the publication of its publicity and information material during the last 12 months; and how much it has contributed to the United Nations for the same purpose during the same period.
§ The Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. Joseph Godber)In both cases Her Majesty's 2 Government contributed through their assessed contributions to the respective regular budgets. For that part of those budgets devoted to information work Her Majesty's Government's contribution to N.A.T.O. was 8,609,250 Belgian francs; to the United Nations 300,000 dollars—approximately £72,000 and £125,000.
§ Mr. AllaunShould not more be given to peace organisations rather than to military organisations? Will the Minister restore the practice of publishing White Papers giving verbatim accounts of disarmament discussions and the proceedings of the United Nations Security Council?
§ Mr. GodberOn the first point, the hon. Gentleman will appreciate that it was a larger sum to the United Nations, £125,000 as opposed to £72,000, so the principle that he enunciates is being followed by Her Majesty's Government. On the point about White Papers on disarmament, discussions on this subject are very voluminous and I am hesitant to burden the House with more White Papers than we have to. I shall look at the hon. Member's point, but I should not like to make any promise.