§ Mr. Benceasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of changes in responsibility for educational assistance to developing countries, he will 88W make corresponding changes in the financing of the British Council's grant-in-aid.
§ Mr. George ThomsonYes.
My colleagues and I have agreed that rather more than one-third of the British Council's funds derived from Her Majesty's Government, corresponding approximately to the cost of the educational work of the British Council in developing countries, should be provided by the Ministry of Overseas Development in 1966–67. Questions about this part of the British Council's work should be directed to the Minister of Overseas Development. The Foreign Secretary will remain responsible for the Council's grant-in-aid. The closest possible co-operation between the Overseas Departments of State, the Ministry of Overseas Development and the British Council will continue to prevail.