HC Deb 01 May 1974 vol 872 cc1132-3
12. Mr. Churchill

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next plans to meet the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Mr. Ennals

My right hon. Friend looks forward to seeing Dr. Waldheim as soon as this is mutually convenient. I had a very useful talk with him in New York in April.

Mr. Churchill

In view of the critical situation of many of the developing nations as a result of the oil price increase, will the Foreign Secretary when he next meets Dr. Waldheim press him to convene a conference of developed member States of OECD, COMECON and the Arab oil-producing States so that a more effective system of aiding the developing nations can be worked out, above all on the basis of the relationship of the population of each developed country to its gross national product so that more can be done to mitigate the disastrous effects of the oil price increase on the developing nations?

Mr. Ennals

This has been one of the main issues at the special session of the United Nations General Assembly which has been in session for three weeks and which completes its meetings either today or tomorrow. Her Majesty's Government have put forward their position very clearly and have taken a positive rôle in the negotiations.

Mr. Rifkind

In view of the indications that Britain may resume involvement in the United Nations Committee on De-colonisation, can the Minister give the House an assurance that, with respect to our policy in Gibraltar, it is the Government's view that Gibraltar is not an area that requires to be decolonised?

Mr. Ennals

I can give that absolute assurance. As the hon. Gentleman knows, there have been a number of occasions on which the people of Gibraltar have been consulted. Their views have been made clearly known and we have made those views clearly known also to the Committee of 24.

Sir Bernard Braine

Is the Minister aware that many of us are deeply concerned about the continued failure of the international community to do anything really effective about providing machinery for the early warning of disasters and adequate relief once disaster has struck? Bearing in mind that millions of people are at risk in this connection, when the right hon. Gentleman is next in contact with the Secretary-General will he impress upon him the need for fresh initiatives in this respect and will he pledge the British Government's support to do what is necessary?

Mr. Ennals

I can say two things in this connection. First, we are looking very carefully at proposals for more effective emergency action when emergencies arise, as they have done so tragically in Africa. Secondly, in relation to the United Nations special session, one of our greatest concerns has been not simply in relation to the words that are used but also to ensure that action is taken to help less developed countries which have been very hard hit by rising prices of oil and other commodities.