§ 21. Mr. RentonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he proposes to take in order to encourage the use, understanding and teaching of the English language abroad. [706]
§ Mr. HanleyOur language is a great national asset and we continue to encourage the use, understanding arid teaching of British English abroad through the medium of British organisations, goods and services. We have first-class institutions engaged in English language teaching and training, and activities of the British Council, BBC World Service, educational institutions, publishers and suppliers all serve to promote our long-term political, economic and commercial interests worldwide. The British Council-led English 2000 project, launched last year, brings all sectors together to promote the teaching and use of English into the next century.