HC Deb 02 February 1987 vol 109 cc689-90
52. Mr. Chapman

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his visit to UNICEF.

Mr. Chris Patten

I met Dr. Jolly, UNICEF's deputy executive director, on 20 January and discussed UNICEF's operations, particularly its global immunisation programme. I have now made a new grant of £5 million for UNICEF's immunisation, essential drugs and child health programmes in China and Africa.

Mr. Chapman

Is my hon. Friend aware that it is a matter of pride to both sides of the House that the United Kingdom is in the vanguard once again in supporting an invaluable programme— the global immunisation programme— which is designed to rid all children throughout the world of the six preventable diseases? Will he continue closely to monitor the UNICEF programme? Finally, will he accept the congratulations of many people in all countries throughout the world?

Mr. Patten

I accept what my hon. Friend said, and I am delighted that over the past year our contributions to UNICEF have been at their highest ever level. We shall continue to support its programmes and to give more support in general to the development of primary health care in developing countries.