§ Mr. FisherTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the changes in(a) administration and (b) policy in UNESCO since Britain ceased to be a member.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggSince the United Kingdom ceased to be a member in 1985, we have recognised that some welcome changes have taken place both in the organisation's administration and overall policy. This170W includes budgetary reform and the carrying out of good work in its programme sectors. But this is not to say that nothing remains to be done. We were, for example, disappointed that little progress was achieved at the recent executive board session in which the board failed to deal adequately with proposals—including one to stop subsistence payments to board members and one relating to the size of board membership—which would lead to a more efficient and cost-effective governing body.
We are keeping the question of our return to UNESCO closely under review but as of yet have taken no decision.
§ Mr. FisherTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with(a) the United States of America Government, (b) other EU countries and (c) the Secretary-General of UNESCO about the renewal of Britain's membership of UNESCO.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggWe have not had any discussions with the United States of America Government, other EU countries or with the Secretary-General of UNESCO about the renewal of Britain's membership of UNESCO. However, my officials, here and in Washington and Paris, are in regular contact with their US counterparts and those in Paris keep in touch with their EU counterparts on a regular basis.
We are keeping the question of a return to UNESCO under close review. For the moment, however, we have taken no decision.