§ Sir Bernard Braineasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the future of the Centre for Educational Development Overseas.
§ Mr. WoodYes. I have found that a substantial overlap exists between the fields of work of the Centre for Educational Development Overseas and the British Council, and that the resources of the two either duplicate or complement each other. I have reached the conclusion that an amalgamation of the CEDO with the British Council would enable us to make more effective and economical use of British resources and experience, in order to help developing countries to adapt their educational systems to their needs as they see them. The board of the CEDO has told me that it is prepared to acquiesce in this decision on the assurance that the work so far carried on by the CEDO will be continued, and the position and prospects of the staff safeguarded. I have been very ready to give these assurances. I am grateful to both the board and the staff of the CEDO for the valuable work which they have done, and am confident that it will be continued and increased in future.