HC Deb 20 October 1976 vol 917 cc1434-6
22. Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if Her Majesty's Government will reconsider their position on the new international economic order betwen the present and the meeting on the common fund next March, with a view to joining Canada as a member of the concerned countries.

Dr. Owen

Her Majesty's Government have long recognised the need to achieve a more equitable world economic system. We accordingly intend to play a constructive role in the forthcoming preparatory meetings, both on individual commodities and on a common fund, which the UNCTAD Secretary-General is required to convene.

Mr. Jenkins

I am very grateful to my right hon. Friend, but is he aware that there is considerable concern among the less developed Commonwealth countries, particularly those in the Caribbean, that in this matter Her Majesty's Government are not playing the full and co-operative rôle which is expected, and which is being carried out by the Canadian Government? Will my right hon. Friend have another look at this and see if he can put these fears at rest?

Dr. Owen

I shall certainly look at this, but I do not think that my hon. Friend's concern is really justified. There are differences of view. It is true to say that there are some people who are taking a more sceptical look and others who are more enthusiastic. I would put the British position as being broadly in the middle of the spectrum. But we shall gladly look at it.

Mr. Spearing

As the Government's performance at Nairobi was somewhat disappointing, although partly redeemed at the end, does my right hon. Friend agree that this country is in a good position to suggest alternative means of obtaining the things that the Third World wants, this being fully in accordance with the needs and obligations of Her Majesty's Government?

Dr. Owen

Yes, I think we are in a good position. I do not want to exaggerate our position. It would be stronger if our national economy were stronger. But we still have an important rôle to play, and we must bear our own economic difficulties, in comparison with the great degree of poverty that still exists in large portions of the world.

Mr. Forman

As the recent Club of Rome study, reported in the Press today, shows that the gap between the developed and developing countries, in terms of standard of life, has widened considerably over recent years, will the Minister undertake to encourage his colleagues in the Ministry of Overseas Development to be even more active in their sphere of responsibility than they already have been?

Dr. Owen

The Ministry of Overseas Development is doing a very great deal. It is especially striving wherever possible to ensure that aid goes to the poorer countries and to the poorest in those countries. It is a very difficult and complex problem. It involves multilateral negotiations. I am sure that that is the right way to proceed, and progress is being made.

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