§ Miss LestorTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what discussions have taken place with the British Council about its withdrawal from countries overseas as a result of the proposed reductions in the aid budget. [9603]
(2) what assessment he has made of the effect on the British Council's overseas activities of the reductions proposed in the autumn statement. [9602]
§ Mr. HanleyPreliminary discussions have taken place with the British Council about the possible effects of the 1995 Budget settlement. The council is preparing detailed proposals which will be discussed further with the FCO, diplomatic wing, and the ODA.