HC Deb 11 April 1962 vol 657 cc133-5W
69. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the text of the resolution of the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe protesting against the arrest of French officials in Egypt contrary to the practice of states and the general rules of international law and to special agreements between France and the United Arab Republic; and what further action was taken by the United Kingdom and other member-States of the Council of Europe, or by the Council collectively on this matter.

Mr. P. Thomas

As the text of the Resolution in question is already available in the Library of the House, the answer to the first part of the Question is No. In answer to the second part of the Question, the Resolution called for no further action from Member States of the Council of Europe or by the Council collectively. As the House is aware, we have recently heard the good news that the French officials in question were released on 7th April and are now back in France.

81. Mr. Russell

asked the Lord Privy Seal what is the policy of the Government in regard to Recommendation 291 of the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe, which asks the Committee of Ministers to request the Administrative Board of the Cultural Fund to grant fellowships and scholarships to scientists, artists, writers, philosophers and students, initially from Poland, and later, when circumstances allow, from other countries of Eastern Europe, to work and study in the member States of the Council of Europe.

Mr. P. Thomas

At the 102nd meeting of the Deputies of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in October last, the Deputies invited Governments to provide information for the Consultative Assembly, on which action on paragraph 4 of Recommendation 291 could be based. Her Majesty's Government have provided this information, as requested, but the Ministers' Deputies have not yet decided whether to request the Administrative Board of the Cultural Fund to grant the proposed fellowships and scholarships.

It is Her Majesty's Government's policy to encourage scholars and students from Poland and other countries in Eastern Europe to work and study in the United Kingdom and, in general, to familiarise themselves with British life. Under bilateral arrangements the United Kingdom is already receiving many scholars from Poland and the Soviet Union and, to a lesser degree, from other countries in Eastern Europe.