HC Deb 27 November 1941 vol 376 cc908-9W
Sir P. Harmon

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the continued activities of the British Council in Cyprus; whether the student and club membership of the British Institute is being maintained; and whether progress can be reported on the attendance of British troops at Greek classes?

Mr. Law

The British Council's activities in Cyprus are continuing normally. Its institutes in Nicosia, Famagusta, Larnaca and Kyrenia reopened in October after the summer vacation. Over 800 students and club members made use of the institutes last season; that in Nicosia was full to capacity. No figures for the present season have yet been received in respect of students, or club members, or of the British troops attending Greek classes.

Sir P. Hannon

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the publications produced at the instance of the British Council, namely, British trades unions, the British co-operative movement and the International Guild books will be placed in the Library of the House for the information of Members?

Mr. Law

Yes, Sir, as soon as they are published.

Sir P. Hannon

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give an outline of the programme of cultural effort now in process under the direction of the British Council Institute in Montevideo?

Mr. Law

The Anglo-Uruguayan Cultural Institute is an entirely independent Uruguayan society. It is not under the control of the British Council, but, like all the other Anglophil societies in South America, it collaborates closely with the Council. The educational activities of the institute consist of 67 classes in the English language and literature given to over 1,000 students, and of extra-mural classes for the Industrial School in Montevideo, for the Federation of Workers in Commerce and Industry and for other organisations. The programme of social activities for the first eight months of this year included seven lectures, 10 evening functions and weekly teas, providing opportunities for practice in English conversation. The institute has over 200 regular members.