HL Deb 05 June 1973 vol 343 cc8-9
LORD PARGITER

My Lords, may I preface my Question by offering my congratulations to the noble Lord, Lord Windlesham, whose very enlightened approach to the many problems which he faced in his previous Office has won the universal approval of the whole of your Lordships' House. I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what sums are paid from the Exchequer to the European Movement (British Council) and for what purpose.

BARONESS TWEEDSMUIR OF BELHELVIE

My Lords, the grant in aid to the European Movement (British Council) for the financial year 1973-74 is £20,000. It is proposed to seek additional provision of £5,000 when the Summer Supplementary Estimates are submitted.

LORD PAR GITER

My Lords, having regard to the fact that this movement was created ostensibly for the purpose of popularising Britain's entry into the Common Market, and that that object has now been achieved, may I ask whether public money should continue to be used for this purpose? May I ask, further, whether the Government exercise any influence over the policy pursued by this organisation and whether its audited accounts are made available to the House?

BARONESS TWEEDSMUIR OF BELHELVIE

My Lords, all grants that are made to non-Governmental organisations are reviewed, and the grant to the British Council European Movement is, of course, no exception to this general rule. Her Majesty's Government satisfy themselves that the money is spent for the purposes for which it is provided.

LORD PARGITER

My Lords, may 1 have a reply to the third part of my supplementary question—whether or not the audited accounts of the organisation are available to the House?

BARONESS TWEEDSMUIR OF BELHELVIE

I am sorry, my Lords; I had forgotten the third part of the Question. Accounts are available only in so far as they are affected by Government contribution, like the Supplementary Estimates.

LORD PARGITER

My Lords, may I take that to mean that they will be placed in the Library of the House for the benefit of any Member of your Lordships' House who may wish to see them?

BARONESS TWEEDSMUIR OF BELHELVIE

My Lords, I believe that is the normal practice.

LORD SEGAL

My Lords, does the noble Lady subscribe to the view that the aims of the European Movement are now largely accomplished? And would she not agree that a useful purpose still lies ahead of them?

BARONESS TWEEDSMUIR OF BELHELVIE

My Lords, I am sure that the European Movement has done a great deal and will continue to do so. But as the noble Lord, Lord Segal, rightly says, a very large part of its achievement has been to promote the entry of this country into Europe.