§ Dr. SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the cost of rejoining UNESCO might be if(a) the United Kingdom rejoined without the United States of America and (b) the United Kingdom and the United States of America both rejoined; what the benefits of rejoining might be; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThe annual cost of resumed United Kingdom membership of UNESCO would be around £8 million if the United States also rejoined, or £11 million if it did not. The principal benefit to the United Kingdom of rejoining UNESCO would be the enhancement of our ability to participate in the work of the organisation, but any benefit must be weighed against the financial costs. We keep the issue of resumption of membership under close review. No decision has yet been reached.