§ Mr. Longdenasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on his proposals for establishing an independent body to further good relations with the countries of Eastern Europe.
§ Mr. William RodgersIt is the intention, with Government support, to create an independent association, to be known as the "Great Britain—East Europe Centre", in order to promote closer understanding between the peoples of this country and certain countries of Eastern Europe, notably Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Rumania. This will be done by fostering cultural, economic, political and social contacts with these countries.
In view of the importance attached by Her Majesty's Government to the development of relations with these countries of Eastern Europe, the Centre will be supported by official funds. The £14,000 already included in the Foreign Service Estimates (published on 14th March under subhead E 13) as being for the 82W use of the East Europe Committee of the British Council will be devoted to the new Centre as the successor of the Committee, and provision for an additional grant of £10,000 will be included in the Summer Supplementary Provision, Class II, 2 E. 13. As necessary, funds will be requested from the Civil Contingencies Fund to cover any payments before the Appropriation Act is passed.