Written question asked by Keith Vaz (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 November 2004. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Thursday, 18 November 2004 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Dept for Education and Skills

Question: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the European Pact for Youth programme entails.

Answer: Keith Vaz: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the European Pact for Youth programme entails. [197761] Dr. Howells: I have been asked to reply. The European Pact for Youth is not a programme. The concept was introduced at the European Council on 5 November 2004 by France, Germany, Spain and Sweden. The four countries, through the Dutch presidency, asked the European Council to consider the importance of demographic trends and address youth unemployment and social exclusion; achieve greater coherence in the EU's approach to youth issues and to find new ways to encourage higher European birth rates (including through better reconciliation of work and family life). In the presidency conclusions, the European Council took note and called for the elaboration of a "European Pact for Youth". The conclusions do not specify what form this should take.

Secondary information