HC Deb 12 December 1984 vol 69 cc526-7W
75. Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the United States Government about the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.

Mr. Raison

The Government have kept in regular touch with the United States Government about UNESCO.

76. Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the scientific implications of any decision by Her Majesty's Government to withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.

Mr. Raison

Before taking the decision to give notice, we consulted interested bodies, including the Natural Sciences Advisory Committee of the United Kingdom National Commission for UNESCO, the Royal Society and Government Departments. This consultation will continue and all the views will be taken into account before a final decision is made after the 1985 general conference.

77. Mr. Johnston

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which countries of the Commonwealth and the European Community have made representations to Her Majesty's Government against the United Kingdom giving notice of leaving the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.

Mr. Raison

As I told my hon. Friend the Member for Ynys Môn (Mr. Best) on 29 November, exchanges between Governments are confidential. We have been in touch with a number of Community and Commonwealth Governments since the announcement of our intention to submit formal notice of withdrawal this year. Some have expressed regret, but most of these have said that they understood our position.

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