HL Deb 11 April 1988 vol 495 cc969-70WA
Lord Mayhew

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What costs were incurred in setting up direct English teaching operations in each of the three francophone countries of North Africa, and whether the fees collected meet the current costs involved.

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Glenarthur)

The Direct Teaching of English operations of the British Council in Algeria and Morocco were established 10 and 28 years ago respectively and setting-up costs are not readily available. The teaching operation in Tunisia is in its pilot stage. Full set-up costs will not be known until the centre is established in its own premises.

The operation in Algeria is in net surplus, that in Tunisia covers direct costs and that in Morocco is expected to make a net deficit in the 1987–88 financial year.