HL Deb 25 January 1979 vol 397 cc1551-2

3.18 p.m.

Lord BROCKWAY

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress has been made in the establishment of the economic department of the United Nations authorised on 21st December 1977.

Baroness LLEWELYN-DAVIES of HASTOE

My Lords, the United Nations Secretary-General announced the appointment of the Director-General for Development and International Economic Cooperation on 14th March last year. Three new Departments have been created within the Secretariat to rationalise and streamline the economic and social work of the United Nations.

Lord BROCKWAY

My Lords, does the Minister agree that the decision to set up this authority is of world importance, covering as it does 80 per cent. of the activities of the United Nations, and can she explain why since what she has reported took place there has been so much delay in its development? Is it due as stated, to bureaucratic opposition at the UN or by some of the great Powers, and what is the attitude of Her Majesty's Government towards it?

Baroness LLEWELYN-DAVIES of HASTOE

My Lords, I think it is true to say that it has been disappointing that more practical progress has not been made, but there is no doubt that in principle the need for restructuring the economic and social activities of the UN has been generally agreed. I can assure my noble friend that Her Majesty's Government strongly support the restructuring, and indeed we are continuing to work to ensure implementation.