HC Deb 26 July 1965 vol 717 cc8-9W
46. Mr. Bossom

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the British Council will again begin to function in the Republic of Somalia; and what teachers or cultural literature are being sent out at present.

Mr. George Thomson

The British Council cannot function in the Somali Republic without the consent of the Somali Government. British Council Representation was withdrawn when diplomatic relations were broken off in March, 1963, and the Somali Government have given no indication that they wish the Council to return. The British Council does not, on principle, recruit British teachers for countries where there is no Council Representation or British Mission and none have been recruited for Somalia since March, 1963. The supply of periodicals and other literature previously presented to Somali schools has been continued by post.