HC Deb 26 June 1990 vol 175 cc194-5W
63. Mr. Janman

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the outcome of his visit to Hungary.

Mr. Howard

I visited Hungary from 3 to 5 June. During my stay I met the newly appointed Minister of Labour, Mr. Sandor Györivanyi, and other members of the Government. I also had discussions with Hungarian business men and entrepreneurs, and visited a factory.

Discussions focused on the importance of ensuring that the climate is right for small firms to flourish, and the more immediate practical help and advice my Department can give.

On 5 June Mr. Györivanyi and I signed a joint statement on co-operation between our two countries in the labour market area. We agreed a programme of immediate assistance which will include advice and practical help in the development of training and retraining, including open learning, employment services, and small firms and enterprise.

In addition, I invited the Hungarian Government to send officials to Britain for an extended visit to study the relevance of our conciliation and arbitration systems.

I am pleased that the Hungarian Government have asked my Department for assistance and that we have been able to agree a programme of co-operation. I look forward to the development of a rewarding and beneficial relationship between our respective Ministries.