HC Deb 16 July 1975 vol 895 cc1492-3
26. Mr. Steen

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will increase the two-thirds travel contribution rate when young Britons visit Common Market partners; and if he will also increase the hospitality allowances when young Common Market visitors to Great Britain come over to the United Kingdom on youth exchange programmes.

Mr. Hattersley

No, Sir. It is desirable that as many young people as possible benefit from the limited finance available to the British Council for this purpose. However, the expert groups which advise the British Council on youth exchanges have occasionally recommended an increased level of support.

Mr. Steen

As the Minister is probably aware, the present rather generous grant made by the last Conservative administration is soon to come to an end. When he is considering the terms and the level of grant for next year will he impress upon our Common Market partners that they should give similar amounts, on similar terms and conditions, to eliminate the present discrimination against youth in one country or another? Will he also make sure that he listens to the views of young people and not just to the organisations purporting to represent them, because often those organisations team with grown-ups—often in high places?

Mr. Hattersley

I understand the point that the hon. Gentleman has made and I shall do my best to fulfil his wishes. There are difficulties, due to our economic circumstances, about providing enough grants for these purposes. Certainly I should like to see more. We shall do our best not only to extend them where possible, but to make them realistic in terms of young people's understanding. This is important.

Mr. Dykes

Going somewhat beyond the question of these visits, will the Minister of State confirm that in future the Government will be in the forefront in pressing for a European passport and for the elimination of all Community passport exchanges within the Community itself?

Mr. Hattersley

That was an aim of Mr. Ernest Bevin when he became Foreign Minister in 1945. No doubt my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State would like to see it achieved during his period in office.