§ Mr. John E. B. Hillasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what support she is giving to the Council of Europe scheme for the attendance of teachers from member countries at each other's in-service training courses.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeThe Council of Europe scheme which provides bursaries for teachers from member countries to attend other countries' in-service training courses was introduced in 1971 following a British initiative. In 1971 50 teachers from 13 countries attended a wide range of courses for which the Department of Education and Science is responsible. In 1972 the Council is offering 60 bursaries on United Kingdom and 15 on Austrian courses.
To encourage the further development of this successful scheme the Government, as my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster announced this afternoon, are making available sufficient funds for up to 100 additional bursaries on the Department's courses this year. If the scheme continues to develop satisfactorily the Government are ready to con- 246W sider making increased funds available in the following years.
I hope this initiative will encourage the development of the scheme on a multilateral basis, thus making an important contribution to educational co-operation in Europe.