HC Deb 10 April 1974 vol 872 c156W
Mr. Hunt

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on the closure of the British Council office in Belize.

Mr. Hattersley

Following the reduction in public expenditure for the financial year 1974–75 announced in Parliament by the right hon. Member for Altrincham and Sale (Mr. Barber) on 17th December 1973—[Vol. 866, c. 954–982]—the grant-in-aid to the British Council was reduced. The withdrawal of the council's representative, and the closure of its office, in Belize is a part of the consequential savings that the council has been obliged to make.