§ Mr. Juddasked the Minister of Overseas Development whether she will make a statement on the Government's policy towards the United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organisation's Advisory Committee's request for assistance in dealing with the danger of Venice sinking into her lagoon; and whether she will give an assurance that any governmental financial contributions will be in addition to the overseas aid budget.
§ Mr. WhitakerThe Government of Italy have set up, in consultation with U.N.E.S.C.O., an International Advisory Committee on Venice. The committee has recommended that the Italian 205W Government should draw up, before the end of 1970 and in association with U.N.E.S.C.O., a general plan for saving the city.
Last month the Director-General of U.N.E.S.C.O. sent to all Member States a list of priority projects estimated to cost nearly £1½ million and invited Governments, public and private bodies and individuals to contribute technical or financial aid in carrying them out. The projects include the protection of monuments, works of art, buildings and libraries, and research into subsidence and the flooding of the city.
This invitation was addressed to the Ministry of Overseas Development as the Department responsible for Britain's relations with U.N.E.SC.O. No Government financial aid is envisaged, but the possibility of contributions from other British sources, including technical advice and assistance, is being studied. Britain gave generously after the floods in Florence and Venice in 1966. The Italian Art and Archives Rescue Fund raised some £171,000 for restoration work in both cities, and a further £275,000 for humanitarian relief was raised by Government and private subscription.