HC Deb 28 March 1946 vol 421 cc94-5W
111. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the number of the British staff for U.N.O., and those who accompany them, in the U.S.A.; what is the cost to the British taxpayer in dollars; and are those concerned liable for Federal and/or British income tax.

Mr. McNeil:

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to members of the United Nations secretariat who are British subjects. The employment of British subjects, as of all other members of the secretariat, is entirely the responsibility of the Secretary-General and no Department of His Majesty's Government is concerned. There is no direct payment by His Majesty's Government as all members of the secretariat are paid by the organisation itself out of the contributions of all the member States. According to the terms of a convention which has been adopted by the United Nations Assembly and submitted to the Government for adoption, no salary paid by the United Nations will be subject to taxation. The necessary Bill to carry this convention into effect for the United Kingdom will be introduced into Parliament shortly.