HC Deb 18 December 1963 vol 686 cc237-8W
Mr. C. Johnson

asked the Secretary for Technical Co-operation if he has considered Resolution 256 on international voluntary service which was adopted by the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe on 19th September 1963; and what action her Majesty's Government has taken or contemplates taking in regard to it.

Mr. R. Carr

Yes. Resolution 256 does not invite action by Her Majesty's Government. It draws attention to the outcome of the Seminar held at Strasbourg in July. This was a meeting of non-governmental bodies interested in voluntary service.

My Department is fully informed about the Seminar, at which it was represented by an observer; and is in constant touch with the British voluntary societies who are interested in the further work arising from its decisions. A representative of those societies is a member of the Continuing Committee set up by the Seminar.

The decisions of the Seminar on future action are welcomed by Her Majesty's Government. My Department will keep in touch with the work of the Continuing Committee, leading to the next session of the Seminar.