HL Deb 28 July 1960 vol 225 cc895-7
LORD FRASER OF LONSDALE

My Lords, in begging leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper, may I express my own welcome and congratulations to the Foreign Secretary?

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will state how many members there are of the United Nations; how many pay their subscriptions regularly and what is the United Kingdom subscription.]

THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWE)

My Lords, there are now 82 members of the United Nations. Generally, about 50 Member States pay their contributions to the United Nations budget within the calendar year, which is the United Nations financial year. At the end of January this year, about 8 per cent. of contributions to the United Nations budget for 1959, and 5 per cent. of contributions for 1958, were outstanding. Her Majesty's Government at present contribute 7.78 per cent. of the United Nations budget. Our share of the approved budget for 1960 amounts to £1,415,000.

LORD FRASER OF LONSDALE

My Lords, while thanking my noble friend for the Answer, could I ask him whether the funds thus subscribed by some members pay all the expenses of occupying various parts of the world, and whether it would not be a good idea to have a rule that those who are represented shall subscribe?

THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNE

My Lords, in answer to the first part of my noble friend's question, I am afraid that I should like notice of the question. But so far as I know, the answer is, Yes. As to whether all members should pay, the answer is that they do, but sometimes they pay late. Her Majesty's Government are trying to set an example by accelerating our rate of payment, and in future our contribution will be paid in three instalments—a quarter on January 1, a half on April 1 and a quarter on July 1.

LORD FRASER OF LONSDALE

My, Lords, may I ask my noble friend if there are some who have never paid but have often voted?

THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNE

So far as I know, my Lords, no.

THE EARL OF SWINTON

My Lords, would it not be perhaps, a better incentive to those countries who do not pay if we did not pay up quickly as an example but paid pro rata, as other people pay?

THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNE

My Lords, I do not quite agree with the noble Earl. Perhaps example is better than precept, and possibly what we are doing is the best thing.

LORD HAWKE

My Lords, have the United Nations any power of distrain[...] on the assets of the Embassies abroad of those Powers who are in arrears with their subscriptions?

THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNE

My Lords, I think that I ought to have notice of that Question.

LORD KILLEARN

Could the noble Marquess say how many members are actually in default in their payments?

THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNE

My Lords, I gave the figures in percentages in my original reply: 8 per cent. of the contributions for 1959 were outstanding and 5 per cent. of the contributions for 1958. I am afraid that I cannot say what the position is by countries.

LORD KILLEARN

My Lords, I apologise for not giving notice of the question.