HL Deb 17 November 1998 vol 594 cc147-8WA
The Earl of Carlisle

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the direct grant to the British Council of £133 million in 1997–98 is sufficient to fund the Council activities, including those abroad; if not, whether they will increase the grant; and by how much. [HL3688]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

The Government have no plans to increase the grant-in-aid which the British Council will receive during the course of the current financial year. The Council has worked out its expenditure plans for the year on the basis of the available grant-in-aid, which will enable it to fund its activities at home and abroad. However, as a result of the Comprehensive Spending Review, the Government have been able to secure for the Council an uplift for inflation over the three years from 1999–00, plus a further real increase of approximately £2 million for each of those years. This will enable the Council to plan ahead securely and to continue to help to deliver the Government's objective of promoting Britain abroad.

The Earl of Carlisle

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When a new Director-General of the British Council will be appointed. [HL3689]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

The British Council is treating the matter of the appointment of a new Director-General with urgency and aims to complete the recruitment process as soon as possible.

The Nomination Sub-Committee of the Board of the British Council will manage the process of recruiting a new Director-General.