asked the Minister of Education, in view of the recent adoption of the Swedish plan to save the temples of Abu Simbel, whether he will reconsider his decision not to contribute to the appeal by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.

I am giving further consideration to this question in the light of recent developments.

Is it not a cause for shame that of all major Western European countries, at present Britain alone has failed to contribute?

The original scheme put forward was very questionable from the point of view of U.N.E.S.C.O. resources, but I do not exclude the possibility of a United Kingdom contribution. The point is that this is a matter which must be further considered, and I am perfectly ready to get in touch with the hon. Member, or any other hon. Member, when I have further news.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that some very urgent rethinking has been done on this issue? While the building of the reservoir is of dire necessity for the people of Egypt, the preservation of these temples is a challenge to the culture of the whole world. Will he promise to reconsider his decision?

I said precisely that I am doing so. As my hon. Friend will know, the decision to proceed with the Swedish plan has already been taken formally by the U.A.R. and U.N.E.S.C.O.

Is the Minister aware that the matter has now entirely changed because the cost of the new scheme will be very much less than the original? Will he bear in mind that there is some urgency about this matter and that it would be regarded as most invidious if this country of all the great Powers were the only one which did not make a contribution to preserve these unique temples?

I will certainly bear in mind all the points the hon. Gentleman has made.