§ 13. Mr. Pavittasked the Minister of Education if he is aware that in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation draft programme and budget for 1961–62 the item concerning workers' study tours in Europe, included in previous programmes, has been eliminated; and if he will take appropriate action to secure its inclusion.
§ The Minister of Education (Sir David Eccles)I have received a number of representations about this proposed change in the programme and budget of the Organisation. When the comments of the United Kingdom are conveyed to U.N.E.S.C.O. our view will be that this recommendation about study tours should be reconsidered.
§ Mr. PavittWhile thanking the Minister for his favourable consideration, may I ask if he is aware that this is the only item in the U.N.E.S.C.O. budget—less than a fraction of 1 per cent.—applied to industrial workers, peasants and housewives? Is he aware that this expenditure meets only the 1202 fares of people travelling and that hospitality has to be arranged in cooperation with comparable voluntary organisations abroad? In view of the fact that this plays a considerable part in both education and international understanding at its grass roots, will not the Minister take a great deal of interest in the April meeting and persuade our representatives on the executive to push with all the force at their command for the extension of this service?
§ Sir D. EcclesYes; our representatives will be briefed in that sense.