HC Deb 08 February 1956 vol 548 cc176-7W
63. Mr. P. Williams

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's support for the relief programme of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency.

Mr. Nutting

At the beginning of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency's current financial year in July, 1955, Her Majesty's Government paid $2 million. In January this year they contributed a further $2.5 million to the Agency's account, thus honouring their total pledge for relief funds for the year 1955–56 of $4.5 million. I believe this represents about four-fifths of the relief contributions so far paid to the Agency this year. Her Majesty's Government share the concern which the Director recently expressed, at the possibility that the Agency might have to wind up if it is starved of funds. They support his plea for more pledges of funds and for early payment of any sums promised.