HC Deb 21 January 1986 vol 90 cc145-6W
Mr. Foulkes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what communications he has had with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation following the United Kingdom's announcement of its withdrawal; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Eggar

Since the announcement of our decision not to rescind our notice of withdrawal from UNESCO we have received no communications from the secretariat. We have initiated exchanges with the secretariat about the maintenance of observer status for the United Kingdom with the organisation. We have also begun discussion of the financial aspects of our withdrawal, particularly in relation to our wish to continue to support certain intergovernmental scientific activities conducted under UNESCO auspices. Since our domestic. legislation giving privileges and immunities to UNESCO staff lapsed automatically on withdrawal, we have informed the secretariat that we shall consequently be witholding from UNESCO the benefits of the convention on the privileges and immunities of the specialised agencies of the United Nations.