§ Mr. Robert Edwardsasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what facilities her Department provides to assist the exchange of both full-time and voluntary trade union officers with their counterparts in member countries of the European Economic Community; and if, in view of the United Kingdom's application to join the European Economic Community, she will increase her assistance in this field.
§ Mr. FernyhoughMy Department co-operates in the arrangements which are made from time to time for study visits of trade union officers from other countries including member countries of the European Economic Community, under the sponsorship of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the T.U.C., the O.E.C.D., or on an ad hoc basis. Visits are also made from time to time by trade union officers from the United Kingdom to countries in membership of the European Economic Community. I consider that the facilities offered by my Department in this field meet the present need.