HL Deb 14 October 1997 vol 582 cc181-2WA
Lord Kirkhill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will now apply on behalf of the United Kingdom to join the Council of Europe's Social Development Fund.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

We are considering whether the United Kingdom should participate in a variety of international bodies in the context of the comprehensive review of expenditure. Once that review has been completed, we shall be better placed to take a decision on United Kingdom membership of the Council of Europe's Social Development Fund.