§ Mr. SutcliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the future funding of the British Council's work in the middle east.[22645]
§ Mr. HanleyThe British Council plays an extremely valuable role in supporting our diplomatic and aid objectives in the middle east. Following the recent public expenditure survey settlement, we will shortly be discussing with the British Council its proposals for the distribution of resources both between and within individual regions.
§ Ms Janet AndersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the work of the British Council in the middle east; and if he will make a statement [22643]
§ Mr. HanleyHeads of mission in middle east countries where the British Council is represented, provide regular assessments of the council's work. These serve to confirm that the council makes a very valuable contribution to our diplomatic and aid objectives.