HC Deb 16 April 1975 vol 890 cc112-4W
Mr. Steen

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will give comparative figures for the exchange of young people between England and Italy between June 1970 and June 1972 and for the last complete year, respectively; and if he will take steps to maintain the growth rate of such exchanges.

Mr. Hattersley

The only statistics available are those of of youth exchange projects which have involved support from public funds through the British Council.

The figures of these are as follows:

Year Exchanges Total
to Italy to United Kingdom
1970–71 29 14 43
1971–72 20 6 26
1974–75 741 258 999

We intend to ensure that youth exchanges with Italy continue at the highest level compatible with the funds available.

Mr. Steen

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in view of the progress which is evident in the youth exchange programme within the EEC countries, particularly with Italy, if he will pay special regard to this when considering future grant allocations to the British Council for these purposes.

Mr. Hattersley

As I said on 18th December 1974—[Vol. 882, c.440.]—funds have been made available to the British Council for youth exchange projects with Italy during 1975–76. In current economic circumstances I am unable to give a precise commitment, but continue to hope that it will be possible to allocate funds for such purposes in the future.

Mr. Steen

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will give priority to encouraging and developing youth exchange programmes with Italy, having regard to the interest shown by independent Italian organisations and the practical help given by the Italian Government;

(2) if he is satisfied with the youth exchange operation, in so far as it affects Great Britain and Italy.

Mr. Hattersley

We consider that the youth exchanges programme is progressing satisfactorily. British official grants towards such exchanges have been increased from £11,822 in 1973–74 to nearly £20,000 in 1974–75.

Mr. Steen

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much of the allocated funds, given to the British Council for Common Market youth exchange programmes, has been spent; in relation to which Common Market countries; and for what cause.

Mr. Hattersley

Expenditure up to the end of the financial year 1974–75 totals £413,411. The breakdown by country is as follows:

Common Market Country Funds Spent
£
Belgium 15,724
Denmark 13,835
Irish Republic 1,856
France 109,068
Germany 206.982
Italy 39,804
Luxembourg 281
The Netherlands 25,861

These funds have been used to develop further British-Italian youth exchanges.

Mr. Steen

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will provide funds to develop mutual training provisions for community work by young people in Great Britain and the Common Market countries.

Mr. Hattersley

Funds have been allocated to the British Council for youth exchanges with European Community countries during the year 1975–76. As my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State said in reply to a similar Question on 6th December 1974—[Vol. 882, c.665]—the British Council encourages all worthwhile youth exchange projects, including those involving community work.