HC Deb 30 October 1989 vol 159 cc60-1W
Dr. Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what Her Majesty's Government's policy is towards the Costa Rican resolution and proposal at the United Nations for a Government-sponsored and supported international week of science and peace each November.

Mr. Sainsbury

We have no wish to obstruct the measures envisaged in the resolution concerned, but doubt their value. We do not intend to allocate to them resources better employed elsewhere.

Dr. Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has taken to encourage universities and other institutions of advanced studies, scientific academies and institutes, professional associations and individuals in the scientific community to hold during the week 11 to 17 November lectures, seminars, special debates and other activities conducive to the study and dissemination of information on the links between science and technology and the maintenance of peace and security, as agreed upon in United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/43/61.

Mr. Sainsbury

Initiatives of this sort at the United Nations are no substitute for the serious endeavours in which Britain plays a leading part. We therefore see no advantage in taking specific steps to encourage institutions to participate in these initiatives.

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