§ Mr. Lawsonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the Fifth Report on the activities of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees; and what additional steps he is taking, in accordance with Resolution 117 of the Council of Europe, to ensure that this country plays its full part in enabling the programme of the High Commissioner to be implemented.
§ Mr. Ian HarveyThe answer to the first part of the Question is. Yes.
Her Majesty's Government contributed £180,000 in the first two years of the High Commissioner's re-settlement programme, and have undertaken to contribute £80,000 in 1957, plus a further £20,000 if total Governmental contributions for the year reach the figure of $3.25 million. This is independent of special assistance to Hungarian refugees, for whom the United Kingdom has so far contributed £93,000 to various foreign and international funds.
While we are aware that in 1955 and in 1956 there was a shortfall in contributions to the High Commissioner's four-year programme, the United Kingdom contribution in 1956 ranked second among Governmental contributions. In view of this and of the additional expenditure incurred in respect of the Hungarian refugees both abroad and in 225W this country, my right hon. and learned Friend does not think that any increase in the United Kingdom contribution to the four-year programme would be justified at present.