§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what progress has been made on the new constitutional basis and financial support system for the Commonwealth Institute; and if he will make a statement; [60689]
(2) what discussions his Department has had with the Commonwealth Institute on the future of the institute; and if he will make a statement. [60690]
§ Mr. Tony LloydThere are frequent consultations between Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials and senior management of the Commonwealth Institute, primarily about the Institute's strategic direction and the funding it needs to achieve its goals. We are currently considering a proposal from the Institute, which, if agreed, would enable the Institute, while remaining a charity, to become a company limited by guarantee. If agreement can be reached with the Institute, on both the new constitution and the level of funding necessary to secure the Institute's future, the proposed change in the constitutional relationship would be laid before both Houses of Parliament.