HC Deb 30 April 1985 vol 78 c82W
Q84. Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Prime Minister on what criteria the decision was taken to reduce the level of provision for the British Council's overseas activities.

The Prime Minister

The council's overall provision has not been reduced. On the contrary, it will be receiving nearly £6 million more in 1985–86 than the sum originally established for that year. Within this total, however, the British Council has been asked to absorb in 1985–86 about £1.1 million of its risen costs as a contribution towards the overall need to keep the Government's spending within the resources available. The decision on where these savings should fall was for the British Council's board.