Council of Europe (Higher Education Scholarship Schemes)

HC Deb 10 December 1979 vol 975 cc464-5W

Mr. Roper

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will reconsider the decision not to participate in 1980–81 in the Council of Europe higher education scholarship schemes; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Blaker

Under the special programme for cultural contacts with Western Europe established in 1972 to celebrate our accession to the European Communities the Government gave the British Council funds for 50 scholarships for students from countries which are members of the Council of Europe. These funds were exhausted in 1976–77. But in 1977–78 the British Council found money from within its budget to fund a further 10 scholarships under this commemorative programme.

In view of the reduction in its budget for 1980–81 the British Council has decided that it will not be able to continue to support the special programme established in 1972.

However, under the British Council's own general scholarship programme 61 postgraduate scholarships will be offered in 1980–81 to students from countries which are members of the Council of Europe.