§ Mr. David HowellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has taken a decision on the question of United Kingdom membership of UNESCO.
§ Mr. SainsburyWe have conducted a thorough review of United Kingdom membership of UNESCO as part of which we have consulted a large number of organisations with an interest in UNESCO activities. We have also taken into account the views expressed by the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House in its report on UNESCO dated 15 March. We have concluded that although there have been improvements at UNESCO over the past few years these are not sufficient to justify rejoining now.
As recommended by the FAC, we shall continue to keep the situation under review and we shall continue to maintain our observer section at UNESCO. We shall also continue to participate in the UNESCO programmes with which we are now involved.
I have today written to the right hon. Member in his capacity as Chairman of the FAC giving my detailed comments on its report. A copy of this letter has been deposited in the Library of the House.