§ Dame Joan Vickersasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the policy of the Government with regard to Recommendation No. 566 on the situation of refugees in the Middle East, which was adopted by the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe on 30th September, 1969; and whether they will increase and continue their regular and special financial contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.
§ Mr. LuardHer Majesty's Government welcome Resolution No. 566 of the Council of Europe on the situation of refugees in the Middle East. They value and fully support the work of the United Nations' Relief and Works Agency (U.N.R.W.A.) and hope that those Governments which vote annually for the continued existence of U.N.R.W.A. and increased contributions to the Agency will themselves come forward with contributions so that its important work, which is at present threatened by shortage of funds, may be continued and extended. Her Majesty's Government have themselves been the second largest contributor to U.N.R.W.A. since its inception. Their contribution for 1970, which will again be substantial, will be announced at the Pledging Conference due to begin in New York on the 10th December.