§ 17. Ms McCaffertyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the future role of the British Council in assisting UK exports. [31814]
§ Mr. FatchettMuch of the Council's work demonstrates British excellence in the field of education and culture and hence supports and underpins exports in these areas. The Council has long been actively involved with the FCO, DfEE and DTI in promoting the use of British educational goods and service overseas, and study in Britain. In addition, the Council has commissioned research into the opportunities for increasing exports of the creative industries and is embarking on a number of pilot projects in this area. The Council will also pay an active role in the new Creative Industries Export Promotion Advisory Group which will involve both government and representatives of the cultural industries.