§ Mr. HargreavesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what progress has been made towards the merger between the Central Bureau for Educational Visits and Exchanges and the British Council; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BoswellThe merger between the central bureau and the British Council will take place on 1 December. This is a most welcome development. In approving it the Government have taken steps to ensure that the central bureau will maintain its own distinct identity within the British Council. Besides the organisational benefits inherent in the merger, the central bureau's wealth of experience and its internationally respected position in the field of education will complement the British Council's work in promoting Britain and in supporting education and training projects around the world. In its turn the central bureau will be able to draw on the British Council's worldwide network in promoting the international dimension in schools and colleges all over the United Kingdom.