HL Deb 26 October 1983 vol 444 cc245-6

2.42 p.m.

Lord Kennet

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will seek to broaden the range of the Europe/Latin America Institute which has been proposed by the European Commission so that it should include such countries as Guyana, French Guiana, Surinam, Jamaica, and all the lesser Antilles, none of which are commonly considered as "Latin".

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Young)

The proposal for a European/Latin American Institute stems not from the Commission but from an independent international group. The Commission has proposed that the Community might give some financial assistance towards their establishment of such an institute. We do not yet know the intention of the originators of the scheme with respect to geographical coverage. Most Caribbean countries are, however, already closely linked to the Community through either the Lomé Convention or as "Overseas countries and territories" under Article 131 of the European Economic Community Treaty.

Lord Kennet

My Lords, I am much obliged to the noble Baroness for that clarification of fact. Will the Government, should they have the opportunity, do what they can to ensure that the institute, if it comes into being, takes account of those South and Central American countries which are not "Latin"?

Baroness Young

My Lords, I take note of the point that the noble Lord has made. There are, I understand, quite a number of steps to be taken before such an institute might come into being, and there are of course those who feel that there are already institutes serving a very similar purpose in this country which would like Community funds should they be available. I should also say that any membership of a regional organisation would be a matter for the countries concerned.

Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos

My Lords, will the noble Baroness confirm that one of the steps to be taken was recommended by the parliamentary working document? That document recommended that the Latin American states concerned set up an ad hoc political body as a partner to act in concert with the EEC. Will the noble Baroness kindly say whether any action has been taken along those lines?

Baroness Young

My Lords, I cannot be clear from what the noble Lord, Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos, says that what he is referring to is identical to the institute identified in the Question. But pursuit of this matter will depend largely on whether or not the European Parliament agrees to reinstate this item in the budget when it could be further considered.

Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos

My Lords, I am much obliged. The document to which I refer deals in detail with this subject and also with relations between the Community and Latin America. I would be most grateful if the noble Baroness would look at this and confirm whether or not what I say is correct.

Baroness Young

My Lords, I shall of course look into this matter and write to the noble Lord.