A—ll

A resolution of the General Assembly recommended that housing problems should be studied and consideration given to the desirability of holding an international conference of experts. The Social Commission suggested that a Housing and Town Planning Section should be set up within the United Nations Secretariat to collect and disseminate information on housing and town planning and to prepare for the Conference. The Economic and Social Council directed the Secretary-General to submit detailed proposals to the Social Commission for the preparation of a further report to the Council on the proposed Conference. To assist in planning its future activities the Commission, with the approval of the Council, requested the Secretariat to prepare a report on the activities of other organizations dealing with matters in the social field, including measures to secure a minimum family income. The Commission arranged to co-operate' with the specialized agencies and with other Commissions—e.g., with the Population Commission on migration matters —and to consult with non-governmental organizations. The Commission also considered its Rules of Procedure and other formal matters. (c) International Children's Emergency Fund On 11th December, 1946, the General Assembly established the International Children's Emergency Fund for the benefit of children and adolescents in countries which suffered aggression and which are receiving UNRRA assistance, and for child health purposes generally. The Fund is administered by an Executive Board representative of twenty-six members of United Nations, including New Zealand, and subject to supervision by the Social Commission and the Economic and Social Council. New Zealand has been represented at meetings of the Executive Board by Hon. D. Wilson and by Mr. T. 0. W. Brebner. The Board has estimated that at least 20,000,000 children are in dire and urgent need of a supplementary meal and that it will cost $450,000,000 to provide this meal and essential clothing and medical supplies for one year. This amount, it is hoped, will be contributed according to ability by donor and recipient Governments and by individuals, companies, &c. Arrangements are being made for a world-wide appeal for voluntary contributions later in 1947, and provisional plans are being formulated for the New Zealand campaign. The Social Commission and the Council considered and generally approved the recommendations of the Executive Board, established the priorities that should be adopted, and gave directions for the organization and supervision of the Fund's activities. (d) Fiscal Commission It is the duty of the Fiscal Commission to study and advise the Council in the field of public finance, particularly in its legal, administrative, and technical aspects. The nomination by New Zealand of Dr. A. R. F. Mackay, Second Assistant Secretary to the Treasury, as a member of the Commission was approved by the Council. The first session of the Commission (first fixed for 28th April, but postponed to 19th May, 1947) will determine the Commission's programme of work, adopt rules of procedure, and settle other procedural matters. (e) Reconstruction of Devastated Areas On 21st June, 1946, the Economic and Social Council established a Temporary Sub-Commission on the Economic Reconstruction of Devastated Areas —comprising twenty members of United Nations, including New Zealand—to advise and report on the reconstruction of countries devastated by occupation or physical destruction. Two working groups were formed within the Commission, one for Europe and Africa, the other for Asia and the Far East. New Zealand was nominated a member of the latter.

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