European Youth Foundation

HC Deb 23 July 1996 vol 282 cc188-9W

Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reasons Her Majesty's Government withdrew funding from the European Youth Foundation under the cultural convention at the Council of Europe; and if he will make a statement. [38956]

Mr. David Davis

The decision to cease our annual endowment to the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe with effect from 1 January 1997 was made in the context of our determination to take the steps necessary to reduce public expenditure and consequently, the burden on the taxpayer. Participation in the EYF is voluntary. Set against this backdrop, it was not possible to exempt the EYF from this process of financial constraint. We do, however, continue to support young people and European youth activities through our contribution to the general budget of the Council of Europe.