§ 3. Mr. Francis Noel-Bakerasked the Minister of Education by what date he will have established the proposed new bureau for co-ordinating the activities of 1839 organisations sponsoring educational travel for young people; what the terms of reference of this bureau will be; what age groups it will deal with; and what organisations he has already consulted.
§ Mr. TomlinsonI hope that the Central Bureau for educational visits and exchanges will have been established before next summer. The terms of reference of the Bureau and the scope of its activities are matters which I am at present considering, in consultation with the Educational Co-operating Body which has been established for U.N.E.S.C.O. purposes. This body includes representatives of the leading educational organisations in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerIs my right hon. Friend aware that "until the summer" is rather a long time and that the present situation and uncertainty are making great difficulties for various official and unofficial bodies interested in this kind of travel?
§ Mr. TomlinsonIf they will communicate with my Department we shall endeavour to overcome the difficulties before these become insurmountable.
§ Mr. Kenneth LindsayIn view of the fact that currency regulations are cutting down movement between Europe and this country, will the right hon. Gentleman do everything he can to encourage exchanges on these lines?
§ Mr. TomlinsonYes, Sir. It is because of difficulties that the necessity for setting up a bureau has become urgent.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerArising out of the previous question, may I ask whether my right hon. Friend will get into touch with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to get him to simplify the instructions he has given governing exchange travel of this kind, because they are confusing?
§ Mr. TomlinsonThat is a job for the bureau rather than for me.
§ Mr. PickthornIs the right hon. Gentleman careful to avoid the risk that this kind of organisation may result in purely private, personal, single ventures of the sort?
§ Mr. TomlinsonI am careful to avoid a lot of things. I realise some of the difficulties associated with this question. 1840 It is because of difficulties that have arisen on the lines that the hon. Member suggests that we want to tie up the matter for this summer, at any rate.