HC Deb 23 October 1972 vol 843 cc168-9W
Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what terms Her Majesty's Government publishes and distributes United Nations publicity material and literature; what is the cost to public funds; and to what extent the Government enlists the co-operation of the United Nations Association for the purpose.

Mr. Godber

There is no expenditure by Her Majesty's Government on distribution of material produced by the United Nations. Her Majesty's Stationery Office are sole agents for the sale of United Nations publications in Britain; a discount is granted on this material, however, which covers the costs of sale.

The Central Office of Information and Her Majesty's Stationery Office spent a total of £4,460 last year on the production and distribution of information material on the United Nations, mainly United Nations Day leaflets, United Nations Day posters and United Nations Second Development Decade posters. Distribution of the leaflets and posters is carried out largely by the United Nations Association, which co-operates for this purpose with the Central Office of Information regional offices.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office also transmits copies of all United Nations documents to the House of Commons Library, at negligible cost.