§ 55. Mr. Awberyasked the Lord Privy Seal if he is aware that the High Commissioner for Refugees is still short of funds to carry on his work in North Africa; how much Her Majesty's Government have given to date; and if he will make a further grant for the purpose of carrying out this essential programme.
§ Mr. HeathYes, I am aware of the situation. In 1959 Her Majesty's Government made available about £13,000 for the purchase and freight of one month's supply of edible oil for these refugees. In 1960 £50,000 of Her Majesty's Government's contribution to the World Refugee Year was allocated for their relief.
As announced by the United Kingdom representative at the meeting of the High Commissioner's Executive Committee in Geneva last week, Her Majesty's Government propose, subject to Parliamentary approval, to contribute 10 per cent. of the total sums donated by the other 24 members of the Committee in response to the High Commissioner's latest appeal. No upper limit has yet been fixed, but naturally our contribution will be subject to a reasonable ceiling.