§ Mr. FisherTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his preferred number of members of UNESCO's board.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggWe are of the opinion that international bodies operate more efficiently and cost effectively with small governing bodies. We were therefore not happy with the decision taken at the recent 145th session of the executive board to recommend an increase in the size of the board from 51 to 58. We would have preferred the executive board to recommend a decrease in its size. Failing that, we would have liked to see the status quo maintained.
§ Mr. FisherTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what he estimates would be the cost of renewing the United Kingdom's membership of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggWe estimate that the cost of renewing the United Kingdom's membership of UNESCO would be £11 million per annum.
§ Mr. FisherTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his preferred level of 621W subsistence payments to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation based members.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggWe believe that subsistence rates for the UNESCO executive board meetings should be paid only to members from least developed countries and the level reduced to bring it in line with the arrangements in the other UN specialised agencies. At present, all UNESCO executive board members receive a daily subsistence rate based on 140 per cent. of the UN rate plus $$5 for the duration of the twice-yearly executive board sessions.