§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been the effect of the cultural exchange agreement negotiated between the United Kingdom and Hungary; and if he will give an estimate of the number of Hungarians who have visited the United Kingdom for the last year for which figures are available.
§ Mr. LuardThe main instrument in our cultural relations with Hungary is the 422W two-year "Programme of Cultural, Educational and Scientific Exchanges", but many cultural visits and events take place outside the programme. The current programme will continue until 31st March 1980.
These programmes which have been in operation since 1962 have helped to bring about a steady increase in activity and a gradual strengthening and deepening of relations betwen our two countries. In the financial year ending 31st March 1977, the latest year for which complete figures are available, 146 Hungarians visited Britain under the programme for periods which varied from two weeks to a full academic year.