§ Mr. Kenneth Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what part she proposes to take in, and what financial contribution Her Majesty's Government will make to, the development of the European University Institute in Florence following upon the decision of the Education Ministers of the European Community to open the Institute in the autumn of 1972;
(2) whether she intends to make representations to, or take part in the work of, the special task-force set up by the Education Ministers of the European Community to study the proposal to establish a European centre for the development of education;
(3) whether she intends to make representations to, or take part in the work of, the special task-force set up by the Education Ministers of the European Community to study the proposal to establish equivalence of professional diplomas throughout the Community.
§ Mrs. ThatcherThe Head of the United Kingdom delegation to the European Economic Community has made application to the Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers for Her Majesty's Government to be fully associated with the future discussion and development of all topics, including those mentioned in the questions, discussed at a meeting on 16th November, 1971, of the Ministers of Education of the six member States of the E.E.C.
On the European University Institute, the Ministers agreed in principle that it should be established and decided that a group of experts, under the Committee of 375W Permanent Representatives, should complete without delay the preparation of a draft Convention to be submitted to the six Governments for signature. No decision has been reached about the opening date of the Institute, and the question of a financial contribution from the United Kingdom has not been raised.