HC Deb 23 January 1980 vol 977 c205W
8. Mr. Watson

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what steps he is taking to provide reciprocal training arrangements with civil servants in other European countries.

Mr. Channon

In 1971, following talks between the then Prime Minister and President Pompidou of France, the Civil Service college set up reciprocal training arrangements with France, the German Federal Republic, and the Netherlands. 958 British civil servants have gone on these courses, and 792 from those countries have come here. The aim is to familiarise participants with the host country's administration and, in particular, to enable them to make and develop contacts with their counterparts in Government Departments in the other countries. I know these arrangements are highly valued by both parties, and I hope to continue to develop them.