§ Mr. Beithasked the Minister of Overseas Development what steps she is taking to safeguard the principles of press and broadcasting freedom during the current UNESCO discussions on communications policies.
146Wtotal of loans and grants extended to countries of the Third world either directly, or through United Nations agencies since March 1974;
(2) what is the total of interest payments (a) due and (b) actually paid in respect of loans made to countries of the Third world direct and through United Nations agencies, since March 1974;
(3) what is the total value of interest free loans and grants made to countries of the Third world, either direct or through United Nations agencies since March 1974.
§ Mrs. HartThe total of United Kingdom loan and grant commitments in respect of Third world countries in the period April 1974 to December 1977 inclusive is £1,626,620,000, of which £1,464,312,000 is interest-free. Details are:
§ Mrs. HartI made it clear in my speech at the UNESCO general conference on 30th October that we could not support the draft declaration concerning the mass media in its present form since it sought an assertion of principles which we cannot accept and powers which are not in our gift and which we do not seek. I suggested that the right course was to work for a declaration which all could accept, if necessary postponing a decision; and that the needs of developing countries in the field of communication 147W could best be met through research and advice and practical help to develop their own press and broadcasting organisations. I am placing a copy of my speech in the Library.
§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Minister of Overseas Development what is the agenda for the UNESCO general conference; and whether she will undertake to report on the results of the conference at the earliest suitable moment.
§ Mrs. HartAs the agenda is lengthy, I shall, with permission, place a copy in the Library of the House. I shall ensure that the House is informed of the outcome of the conference.
§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Minister of Overseas Development what part is being played by the United Kingdom in the UNESCO committee known as the
Country Percentage of Unesco Budget Amount Payable in U.S.$ United States of America 25.00 54,075,000 Union of Soviet Socialist Republics 11.23 24,290,490 Japan 8.59 18,580,170 Federal Republic of Germany 7.67 16,590,210 France 5.61 12,134,430 China 5.45 11,788,350 United Kingdom 4.40 9,517,200 Italy 3.27 7,073,010 Canada 2.93 6,337,590 74.15 160,386,450