§ 32. Mr. HainTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the current role of the British Council in overseas aid programmes. [27699]
§ Mr. HanleyThe British Council makes a valuable contribution to the UK aid programme, by supporting the Government's development objectives through activities financed by the grant in aid, and more generally as a supplier of educational and other services under contract to the Overseas Development Administration and other development organisations.
§ Mr. HainIf the Government recognise that the British Council performs such a valuable role, why are the Government so savagely cutting the council's budget by £22 million over the next three years? That is surely the act of a bunch of cretins, and it breaks an election pledge because in 1992, the Conservatives promised to strengthen the British Council. Having seen the council's valuable work in Angola, Egypt and Gaza I can confirm that the council is not only conducting good works but serves as a shop window for Britain's commercial organisations and image abroad.
§ Mr. HanleyActivity in the countries covered is at a record level. The council has 229 offices in 109 countries, compared with 108 offices in 79 countries when we took office. There is no change in Government policy towards British Council grant in aid. We continue to value highly the council's work in development and cultural diplomacy, but the 1995 public expenditure round was particularly rigorous and resulted in a reduction in funds for the aid programme. It was not possible to protect the British Council from the effects, but the way in which that reduction will work its way through is being considered and there will be decisions before the end of this month.