Mr. Wilson Harris:

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many special agreements have been concluded between the United Nations Security Council and individual member states for the provision by the latter of armed forces, assistance and other facilities in accordance with Article 43 of the Charter; and how many member states are holding air force contingents immediately available for the service of the United Nations in accordance with Article 45 of the Charter.

No agreements have been concluded hitherto with any member states either under Article 43 or Article 45 of the Charter.

Mr. Harris:

As this country is one of the principal members of the United Nations, could the hon. Gentleman say whether we have taken any initiative in the matter? Is he aware that Article 45 definitely says that a member shall hold immediately available a national air force? Could he say whether this country is holding immediately available Air Force contingents for the service of the United Nations?

I do not think we could be called upon to make a unilateral effort of that kind, but on the subject of getting a joint agreement we have taken several initiatives, and the fact that progress has not been satisfactory can in no way be blamed on us.