HC Deb 19 July 1978 vol 954 cc295-6W
Mr. Reid

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his policy towards the implementation in Scottish schools of the EEC Council of Ministers' action programme on foreign language teaching (ISEC/B7/76) and the subsequent proposals of Commissioner Guido Brunner to promote educational mobility for pupils up to 18 years; and what form consultations will take on such matters which are both devolved and within EEC competence, given the establishment of a Scottish Assembly.

Mr. McElhone

The proposals on foreign language teaching arise from the action programme in the field of education agreed by the Education Ministers of the nine member States in February 1976. Detailed proposals for the implementation of the general policy, which include proposals relating to the mobility and exchange of pupils, have been drawn up by the Commission and will shortly be the subject of consultations with the European Parliament and interested organisations. The attitude to be taken by the United Kingdom will be considered and decided in the light of these consultations. The Government have made it clear that consultations with the devolved administration will be necessary on many matters, and intend to consider the form of these consultations in the light of the views of the Scottish administration.