HC Deb 10 June 1985 vol 80 c298W
Mr. Bowen Wells

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what subjects were discussed and agreed at the temporary committee of the executive board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation meeting between 16 and 22 April.

Mr. Raison

The committee discussed reforms in

  • Publications and documentation
  • Programme evaluation
  • Personnel
  • Public information
  • Organisation of the work of the 23rd session of the general conference
  • Decentralisation
and agreed a timetable for their implementation. It prepared a report inviting the executive board to take note of the plan and timetable. Copies of the report have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Mr. Bowen Wells

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he is satisfied with progress towards clarifying the status of Britain's continued membership of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.

Mr. Raison

Our membership is valid until 31 December 1985. We shall then withdraw if we are not satisfied with the progress of the reforms for which we are working with other member states. We shall make a final review of membership after the UNESCO general conference in November.