§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will seek to obtain and publish in the Official Report the provision made by the European Community countries towards the costs incurred by retirement pensioners' organisations in lobbying regarding pensions; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. Boyson[pursuant to his reply, 7 February 1984, c. 582]: I understand that no state provision is made in Belgium, the Federal Republic of Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy or the Netherlands towards the costs incurred by retirement pensioners' organisations in lobbying regarding pensions. In Denmark, several pensioners' organisations which include lobbying among their activities receive state funding. In France, no aid is given to associations of old people which exist purely for the purpose of lobbying. Some associations, however, arid some trade unions receiving state aid include lobbying in the interests of pensioners among their activities; and the Government finance consultative bodies in which old people's associations and trade unions representing retired workers participate.
We have no information concerning Luxembourg.