§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his policy in respect of the future of the Commonwealth Institute; what proposed legislation will affect the Commonwealth Institute; what recent discussions he has had with the management of the Commonwealth Institute; and if he will make a statement on the outcome of those discussions. [2900]
§ Mr. HanleyDiscussions have been under way since July this year between Ministers and the executive committee of the Commonwealth Institute on its future operation after March 1996. My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs met the chairman, vice-chairman, director general and chairman of the Commonwealth Institute, Scotland on 24 October to discuss future policy. The annual general meeting on 5 December will allow future options after March 1996 to be considered.