§ Mr. MacShaneTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has received about the United Kingdom rejoining UNESCO. [34821]
§ Sir Nicholas BonsorMy right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has received nine letters from Members of Parliament, organisations and members of the public in the last six months about the United Kingdom rejoining UNESCO. In addition there have been three parliamentary questions in the same period.
§ Mr. MacShaneTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the financial implications of the United Kingdom rejoining UNESCO. [34828]
§ Sir Nicholas BonsorWe estimate that it would cost the United Kingdom approximately £11 million annually to rejoin UNESCO. In addition there would be extra staffing costs which have yet to be calculated.
279W
§ Mr. MacShaneTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the current management and functioning of UNESCO. [34831]
§ Sir Nicholas BonsorWe have frequently acknowledged the progress made by UNESCO in putting its house in order since we left in 1985. But we believe that there is still scope for further reform. In particular, we are keen to see greater focus of programmes, greater decentralisation, tighter budgetary discipline and more transparency in management practices.