§ 8. Mr. Dykesasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he has received any representations with a view to the foundation of a European Community youth service scheme; and what is the Government's policy towards the project.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonMy noble Friend the Minister of State, Department of Employment, has been in correspondence with the Young European Democrats' Organisation about a proposed European youth service scheme. The Government recognise the value of youth exchanges of this kind but are primarily concerned to develop schemes that already exist to encourage voluntary work by young people, including the unemployed, in this country.
§ Mr. DykesI thank my hon. Friend for that reply. As the Department has been progressive and forward-looking about the extension of schemes for the young unemployed, does not my hon. Friend accept that this is a logical extension? Does he not agree that the EEC budget funds could do a great deal to help, if only member States held a common view?
§ Mr. MorrisonThere is a lot in what my hon. Friend has said. However, I hope that he agrees that some difficulties would be raised by increasing the number of foreign volunteers coming into this country.