§ Mr. FrenchTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the benefits to the United Kingdom arising from the Japanese Government's peace, friendship and exchange initiative. [36447]
§ Mr. HanleyThe UK is specifically included in this 10-year £650 million programme; under it, the Japanese Government—in close consultation with ourselves—are helping to fund historical research as well as various exchange programmes aimed at fostering mutual understanding between the peoples of the UK and Japan. Participants in the exchange visits, initiated by private organisations, include former prisoners of war and their families. These research and exchange programmes are expected to continue in coming years.