§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what consideration he has given to the latest annual report of the Central Bureau for Educational Visits and Exchanges; and if he will arrange for a copy of the report to be placed in the Library.
§ Mr. William SheltonI have received and studied the bureau's report for 1979–80, which was approved by the bureau's trustees in February. Copies of it have been placed in the Library.
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§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what support was made available to the Central Bureau for Educational Visits and Exchanges during the International Year of Disabled People for the extension of international contacts, travel and exchange for young disabled people; what provision the Government are making to the Central Bureau for Youth Exchanges in general, and travel and exchange for the young disabled in particular, in the financial year 1982–83; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. William SheltonThe central bureau spent about £50,500 in 1981 on the provision of professional advice, and advice and assistance for fund raising, for young disabled people undertaking visits and exchanges overseas. This represented about 3 per cent. of its total budget. The resources available for this work will be maintained at least at this level until 1982–83, when the funds available to the bureau for youth and community work will amount to about £168,000.
Grants to young disabled people participating in exchanges are the responsibility of the British Council, which last year awarded over £93,000 to support such exchanges.