HC Deb 07 November 1980 vol 991 cc678-9W
Mr. Foulkes

asked the Lord Privy Seal if Her Majesty's Government are prepared to make greater use of the European Youth Foundation as a channel for subsidising youth activities on a European level.

Mr. Blaker

Her Majesty's Government value the activities of the European Youth Foundation. In common with the other European Governments involved, they are satisfied that the level of its activities already adequately meets the needs of British and other European youth organisations. Her Majesty's Government see no need to increase their funding of the foundation.

Mr. Foulkes

asked the Lord Privy Seal (1) whether in the light of recommendation 902 of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Her Majesty's Government intend to provide more substantial funds for youth co-operation on national and European levels;

(2) whether Her Majesty's Government intend to support recommendation 902 of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in the Council of Ministers.

Mr. Blaker

Her Majesty's Government already give substantial support to youth organisations on a national and European level through grants to such organisations as the British Youth Council and contributions to the budgets of the European Youth Foundation and Centre. In the present economic climate, it is not possible to press for increases in such grants and contributions beyond current levels.