§ Mr. Haselhurstasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he plans any special initiative to 281W promote better understanding between young people from different countries during International Youth Year; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BrookeYes. The Government have decided to invite 250 young people to visit this country in July 1985, as part of their contribution to International Youth Year. The visitors will come from up to 22 countries in membership of the Council of Europe and will be hosted in 10 groups throughout the various regions of the United Kingdom. The aim is to increase mutual understanding among young people in Europe as part of a continuing series of visits to other European countries being promoted under the aegis of the Council of Europe.
In line with the approved criteria for International Youth Year projects, young people will have the opportunity to be involved in planning at the national level and with the United Kingdom groups responsible for the design and management of the individual local programmes. Additionally, plans are in hand for a national function in London to bring together all the young visitors and their British hosts at the end of the visits.
The basic cost of the visits will be met by the Central Bureau for Educational Visits and Exchanges from Government funds but the bureau will be seeking additional sponsorship to extend the scope of the visits.