HC Deb 30 June 1954 vol 529 cc95-6W
58. Mr. Willey

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement regarding the United Nations Refugee Emergency Fund; and what support Her Majesty's Government has now decided to give to the five-year programme put forward by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

According to the Annual Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, total contributions from Governments to the United Nations Refugee Emergency Fund stood at 957,012 dollars on 31st March, of which the United Kingdom contribution accounted for 280,000 dollars. Pledges and contributions so far announced this year amount to some 475,000 dollars against the High Commissioner's estimate of his urgent needs in 1954 for 1,084,000 dollars. Although only 17 Governments have so far contributed to the Fund since its inception, it is to be hoped that this number will increase before the end of the year.

As regards the second part of the Question I would refer the hon. Member to my hon. Friend's reply to the hon. Member for Leicester, North-West (Mr. Janner) on 2nd June.