§ Rear-Admiral Beamishasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the British Council Report for 1943–1944 may be expected; what limit is imposed on the term of service of officers of the Council arid executive committee; and what changes are contemplated.
§ Mr. George HallThe report of the British Council for the year ended 3rst March, 1944, is being printed and will be distributed shortly. The British Council's Royal Charter fixed no term of office for the President. Under bye-law 20 the Chairman and Vice-Chairmen hold office for such periods as my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary may approve. No fixed period has been specified with regard to the present holders of these offices. The periods of office of the Treasurer and Secretary-General are fixed by the Executive Committee. The members of the executive committee are elected for an unspecified period, but four retire annually and are eligible for re-election. The provisions regarding retirement do not apply to the Chairman or to those members of the executive committee who are nominated by members of His Majesty's Government. The machinery of the British Council is kept constantly under review.