§ Mr. Lawrenceasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what annual savings will result from the closure of the British Council's offices in Damascus; and whether the money saved will be retained for the use of the British Council.
§ Mr. RentonThe maximum annual gross saving that may eventually result from closing the British Council office in Damascus is of the order of £0.4 million. However, in 1986–87 there will be no savings and funds may be needed in 1987–88 to cover residual costs.
§ Mr. Lawrenceasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Government intend to cover the cost of increased security for the British Council; what estimate he has received from the British Council of such costs; how much money he proposes to make available for this purpose; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RentonIn 1986–87 the council asked for £820,000 additional to its voted provision for the year to cover the cost of increased security. Parliamentary approval will be sought to provide a substantial proportion of this money. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has in principle accepted the council's case for enhanced security in the years 1987–88 to 1989–90 but the results of the public expenditure survey cannot be anticipated. Further details will be published in the public expenditure White Paper and in the Supply Estimates to be submitted for parliamentary approval.