§ Mr. Robin F. Cookasked the Secretary of State for Trade what is his estimate of the cost to the United Kingdom Government: of their contribution to the Common Fund under discussion within UNCTAD on the basis of Group B's proposal and the Group of 77's proposal, respectively.
§ Mr. MeacherReliable estimates are not possible at this stage. Under the Group B proposal the Fund would be financed by cash deposits and guarantees given through international commodity agreements; the amounts involved would depend on decisions still to be taken in negotiations on the products concerned. Under the Group of 77's proposal the Fund would be financed by direct contributions from its member Governments: but the basis of assessment of individual countries has not been sufficiently defined.