§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) to what extent his cuts in expenditure for 1977–78 will reduce the increased expenditure for Interpol in 1977 of £159,825; and when these cuts are likely to be implemented;
(2) why, in the light of cuts in Government expenditure, he has increased the grants and costs to Interpol from £96,655 in 1976 to £159,825 in 1977.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe General Assembly of Interpol decided in 1976 that the cost of the budgetary unit upon which all members' subscriptions are based should be increased in 1977 to meet the increased costs of Interpol's General Secretariat. The change in the cost of the unit accounts for most of the increase in the British contribution. The remaining increase is due to changes in the exchange rate. I am satisfied that, within the overall limits of public expenditure for the Home Office, and taking into account the value of Interpol to the police in the detection of crime, the increased contribution is justified.
The contribution for 1977 has been paid as provided in the approved Estimate for the General Protective Services, England and Wales 1977/78 Class IX, Vote 8.