§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will give details of the delegation of Ministers and Members of Parliament who attended the laying of the foundation stone of the new Parliament in Strasbourg of the Council of Europe and the Common Market; and in what way Members of Parliament were chosen for this visit.
§ Mr. Anthony RoyleThe ceremony, which was held on 15th May on the occasion of the 50th Ministerial Meeting of the Council of Europe and the recent meeting of the Consultative Assembly, was attended by the British parliamentary delegation to the Assembly and by myself.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to what extent Great Britain will contribute towards the cost of the new Council of Europe and Common Market Parliament; and in what way the British Parliament will have power to question or reduce any proposed contribution.
§ Mr. Anthony RoyleThe new Council of Europe building is expected to cost FF70 million (approximately £5½ million) of which the British contribution will be 18.96 per cent. or approximately £1 million. The British contribution will be paid as part of Her Majesty's Government's subscription to the Council of Europe, estimates for which will be presented to Parliament for approval in the normal way.