§ Lord Brockwayasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have contributed to the UNESCO international programme for the development of communications in developing countries and, if not, why not; and whether they will state which other countries have contributed and how much.
§ Lord TrefgarneHer Majesty's Government supported the establishment of the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC) as a clearing house, to assess communication needs and resources and advise on the ordering of priorities. We regard the IPDC as a positive element for communication development within the already existing channels of multilateral, bilateral, public and private finance, but see no need for any separate fund. Her Majesty's Government have always been ready to consider requests for such assistance from developing countries within existing bilateral programmes and have provided some £30 million for communication projects and trained over 630 personnel during the last three to four years. We do not therefore intend any separate contribution to the IPDC.
The Intergovernmental Council of the IPDC ended its second meeting in Mexico on 25th January. The following contributions to the special account were pledged or promised (all figures in US dollars except where stated):
Pledged Promised Bangladesh 2,000 Cyprus 2,250 Benin 10,000 India 100,000 Cameroon 11,000 Mexico 500,000 Canada 250,000 Netherlands 500,000 China 100,000 Norway 877,200 Egypt 10,000 San Marino 1,000 Finland 25,000 France 500,000 (French Francs) Indonesia 100,000 Iraq 100,000 Jamaica 2,000 Tunisia 5,000 USSR 500,000 Roubles (250,000 in convertible currency) Venezuela 250,000 Additionally Argentina, Australia, Austria, France, the German Democratic Republic, the Gulf States, the Netherlands the USSR and the United States of America announced their intention of underwriting some projects or providing equipment, expertise or training fellowships.
House adjourned at four minutes past seven o'clock.