HL Deb 22 April 1993 vol 544 c112WA
Lord Walton of Detchant

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What investigations have been initiated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) into allegations of financial irregularities relating to "certain contracts" specified in a WHO press release; and

Whether they pressed for a full independent and public enquiry to be conducted into allegations of financial irregularity at the WHO when they were first raised a year ago.

Baroness Cumberlege

Allegations of financial irregularities were raised at a meeting of the Executive Board of the World Health Organisation, held in Geneva, 18th-29th January 1993. Her Majesty's Government was amongst those who pressed for a full and independent enquiry. The External Auditor, Sir John Bourn, Comptroller and Auditor General of the National Audit Office, undertook such an enquiry, the results of which were published on 2nd April 1993. A copy of the audit report has been placed in the Library.