§ 13. Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has received concerning the budget of the British Council; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreudWill the Minister explain why the British Council, of all overseas organisations, has been singled out for punitive cuts of 20 per cent.? Has he presented to the Treasury the British Council's claim for an extension of activities to Indonesia and China? Why is his Department so publicly supportive of the British Council but will not fight for it in private?
§ Mr. EggarWe cannot anticipate the publication of the public expenditure White Paper for next year. We have taken on board the representations that the council has made to us about Indonesia and China. We are extremely conscious of the good work that the British Council does, but it cannot be exempt from public expenditure restrictions.
§ Sir Anthony KershawDoes my hon. Friend agree that it would be a good idea to have a thorough going review of the value of cultural diplomacy to British policy abroad?
§ Mr. George RobertsonMay we be assured that the Government will not hide behind the transfer of funds from UNESCO membership to aspects of the British Council's work and will face the real obligation to increase the amount of mixed money in the British Council's budget? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that only by expanding that budget will the British Council be able to do the highly important job of promoting Britain abroad, a task which he and the House know the council does extremely well?
§ Mr. EggarThe whole House recognises the extremely valuable work that the British Council does. UNESCO money will be independent of any other settlement made with the British Council for the next year.