HC Deb 05 July 1995 vol 263 cc373-4
12. Mr. David Marshall

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the Government's policy in respect of the special Inter-Parliamentary Union meeting to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the United Nations; and if he will make a statement. [30906]

Mr. Hurd

We support the special meeting of the IPU planned in New York to mark the 50th anniversary of the United Nations.

Mr. Marshall

I thank the Secretary of State for that response. Will he ensure that the topic of co-operation between the IPU and the UN is put on the agenda of the General Assembly of the UN? Will the Government support such an initiative? Will the right hon. Gentleman do his utmost to see that the matter is discussed at the General Assembly as soon as possible?

Mr. Hurd

I think that it will be. We support close co-operation between the UN and the IPU. A resolution has been submitted by Senegal for the next session and we are looking to see whether it is sensible from our point of view.

Mr. Rathbone

First, I add my own compliments to my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, particularly on his honesty; I say that as the only Member of the House, I believe, to have bought a second-hand car from him. What is Her Majesty's Government's policy on the future membership of the UN Security Council, and will that be pursued through IPU circles?

Mr. Hurd

The answer to the latter part of my hon. Friend's question is yes.

I remember the car to which my hon. Friend referred: I believe that it was an open-roof Sunbeam Rapier. It had to be taken to Long Island for repairs rather too often in its life, but I am glad that it served my hon. Friend well.