§ Mr. Whitakerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will propose that the United Nations establishes an Emergency Relief Organisation to carry aid rapidly to any major disaster in the world.
§ Mr. PadleyNew procedures for co-ordinating United Nations assistance in cases of natural disaster were authorised by the General Assembly in December, 1965, and the Secretary-General can now70W call upon a fund of $100,000 for emergency aid in any one year. He has prepared a handbook entitled "International Action in cases of Natural Disaster: a Manual on the Resources and Procedures of the United Nations Family", a copy of which I will send to the honourable Member. I should prefer to await the Secretary-General's next report on the working of these new procedures, which is due to be taken by the 23rd Session of the General Assembly, before considering any fresh proposals. I understand that he is satisfied with the progress so far made.