HC Deb 09 April 1984 vol 58 c16
41. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much it would cost to increase the United Kingdom's per capita contribution to the United Nations children's fund to the average per capita level of the Nordic countries.

The Minister for Overseas Development (Mr. Timothy Raison)

The average per capita contribution level for all purposes of Denmark, Norway and Sweden in 1983—using 1982 population figures—was US $4. Such a level for the United Kingdom would require a contribution of about US $223 million or some £156 million.

Mr. Dalyell

Compared with $5.03 per head does the Minister think that $1.6 per head from the United Kingdom is a satisfactory contribution for the United Nations children's fund?

Mr. Raison

I understand and share the belief of many hon. Members in the value and importance of the work that UNICEF does, but we have many pressures on our aid programme and must decide how best to use our resources. The £6 million that we give to UNICEF is not a paltry sum.

Mr. Rhodes James

Although it is not a paltry sum, and we are grateful for what the Government and taxpayers provide for UNICEF, is that not one of the great success stories of the United Nations family and should not the Government be even more involved in that success story?

Mr. Raison

I agree that it is a great success story of the United Nations family, and many hon. Members share that view. Each year I shall consider what contribution we can make, but we have many pressures on our resources.

Mr. Stuart Holland

The Minister is keen to give the House figures on aid in current rather than real terms. What is the difference between the British and Norwegian contributions to UNICEF in relation to the real cuts in the aid budget? The right hon. Gentleman likes to give the House the impression that he is doing the best he can for development, but does he realise that if that is all the contribution that he can make to UNICEF, he may as well be the prince of darkness for all it benefits Third-world children?

Mr. Raison

Our contribution of £6 million makes a significant difference. I have not sought to disguise the fact that the per capita contribution of Nordic countries is both substantial and greater than ours. Nevertheless, we are doing a good job.

Sir John Biggs-Davison

Will my right hon. Friend consider a transfer of funds from the British contribution to UNESCO to this desirable cause? Does he agree that when we judge our contribution we should recall the generosity of British citizens to the Save the Children Fund?

Mr. Raison

I am aware of the generosity of British citizens to the Save the Children Fund. We are examining carefully our position in relation to UNESCO, but I cannot guarantee that we shall give more to UNICEF in the near future.