HC Deb 11 June 1986 vol 99 cc311-3
3. Mr. Phillip Oppenheim

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has held discussions recently with Senor Perez de Cuellar concerning United Nations expenditure in 1986; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Eggar

My right hon. and learned Friend raised the question of United Nations finances with the Secretary-General during his official visit to this country from 13 to 15 May. He emphasised the need for a sustained effort to achieve economies and recalled our own record of paying our contributions promptly and in full.

Mr. Oppenhiem

At a time when the United Nations faces its worst financial crisis in its history, how can the continued publication of the controversial PINS — political information news service — report be justified when it costs almost £1 million a year?

Mr. Eggar

I am sure that these and other aspects of information will be examined both by the Secretary-General in his continuing efforts to reduce expenditure within his control and by the Group of 18, which is looking at the longer term implications for United Nations finances.

Mr. Tom Clarke

Does the Minister accept that if the United Nations did not exist it would be necessary to invent it? Does he also accept that such flaws as there may be mirror an imperfect world and that, while we seek to improve it, we ought to condemn irresponsible comments, which do nothing but harm to an outstanding international body?

Mr. Eggar

Her Majesty's Government are, of course, committed to continued membership of and activity in the United Nations both as an ordinary member and as a member of the Security Council.

As regards finances, the hon. Gentleman must be aware that it cannot be right for the 106 lowest contributing countries, which in total pay 1.83 per cent. of the budget, to force through a budget against the overwhelming view of the major contributors, which, beween them, pay about 70 per cent. of the budget. Reform is necessary.

Mr. Beaumont-Dark

Does my hon. Friend agree that the United Nations could increase its reputation and its finances by releasing the records of 40,000 Nazi criminals, which are hidden in its vaults? Does he also agree that it is slow to do that because of the proper implication of an ex-Secretary-General of the United Nations? Is it not time that all these records were revealed so that this evil can be cleared up one way or the other?

Mr. Eggar

As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister told the right hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe (Mr. Morris) on 19 May, it would not be appropriate for us to consider seeking from the United Nations copies of documents relating to Dr. Waldheim's wartime activities before the Ministry of Defence search of military records is complete.

Mr. Foulkes

I welcome the Minister's commitment to Britain's continued membership of the United Nations, but will he confirm that the Government totally reject all the calls from the Right wing in his party and in some of the media, inspired again by the Heritage Foundation, to follow withdrawal from UNESCO by withdrawal from some of the other agencies of the United Nations? Will the Minister today pay a tribute to the United Nations and its agencies for the excellent work that it has done in its lifetime for peace and development in the world?

Mr. Eggar

Developments within UNESCO over the past few months have served to confirm the wisdom of our decision to withdraw at the end of last year. There has been no evidence recently of movement towards a central reform within UNESCO. In relation to the UN system as a whole, of course we are committed to continued membership.