HC Deb 16 December 1969 vol 793 cc305-6W
Mr. Wright

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he has now concluded his discussions on the possibility of his Department bearing the travel costs of teacher exchanges that were curtailed by the cuts in the Fulbright programme.

Mr. Fowler

The Fulbright Commission's grant towards exchange teachers' travel costs has not been curtailed. I am glad to say that the commission has indicated its readiness to continue this grant from the funds at its disposal in the coming year.

Mr. Wright

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps he has decided to take to ensure the operation of the Fulbright programme at the level that obtained before this present Session.

Mr. Fowler

The Department's estimates for 1970–71 will include the sum needed to fulfil the United Kingdom's obligations under the inter-Governmental agreement of May, 1965. I am glad to say that the commission's funds will be slightly more than this year and will enable the resumption of a modest programme in the next academic year.