HC Deb 13 March 1961 vol 636 c973
36. Mr. C. Johnson

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will state the terms and conditions subject to which study tours for workers are arranged by the Cultural Division of the Council of Europe.

Mr. Heath

In January, 1961, the Committee of Cultural Experts of the Council of Europe decided to limit the choice of workers for workers' study tours abroad to those working in some cultural field. The decision was not unanimous, the British delegate voting with others against the proposal, and the Committee therefore agreed to review the decision at a full Committee meeting next May.

Mr. Johnson

In view of the fact that trade unions had been previously invited to submit applicants for consideration on behalf of their workers and in view of the support which there is for this scheme, would the right hon. Gentleman press for a rather wider interpretation of the rules in future?

Mr. Heath

As I have explained, we were opposed to the particular course adopted. The reason that it was adopted was that there were more applicants than places available and, therefore, the Committee decided on this form of selection.

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