§ Mr. Patrick ThompsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the outcome of the meeting of Education Ministers in Brussels on 22 May including the negotiations over the Lingua programme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth BakerEuropean Community Education Ministers reached agreement on 22 May over a Lingua programme which is expected to cost £130 million from 537W the European Community budget over the period 1990–1994. In support of policies adopted by member states to promote increased competence in modern languages, the programme will support periods of integrated study in another member state for foreign languages students in higher education; assist teachers of foreign languages in schools and in further and adult education to extend their professional skills, particularly through periods spent in another member state; provide support in the field of language training for the existing work force; and encourage the development of exchanges with institutions in other member states for young people in professional, vocational or technical training.
The Select Committee on European Legislation, having considered my Department's explanatory memoranda dated 17 February and 8 May 1989, on 10 May recommended a debate, but it was found impossible to arrange this before the Education Ministers' meeting on 22 May. Given the possible danger of a vote being taken on the basis of article 128, which requires a simple majority, I had informed the Chairman of the Select Committee on 17 May that, if unanimity could be secured under article 235 on a proposal acceptable to the Government, I judged I should not withhold United Kingdom agreement. This proved to be the case and the programme I have described was adopted by unanimity under articles 128 and 235. I regret that in these circumstances it was impossible to complete the normal scrutiny process.
Education Ministers also agreed to negotiation of the extension to EFTA countries of the Community programme on co-operation between universities and industry in technology training. It was accepted that agreement was without prejudice to our case before the European Court of Justice, contesting the legal validity of the Council's adoption of the second phase of the programme under article 128. Ministers also agreed to resolutions on educational provision for the children of gipsies and other travelling groups.