HC Deb 01 February 1999 vol 324 cc494-5W
Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the British Council's record of investment in(a) its premises and (b) information technology. [68307]

Mr. Fatchett

The British Council's investment strategy is discussed with the FCO as part of the process of agreeing the Council's Corporate Plan. The Council requires the prior approval of the FCO for investment of over £500,000 for property and £250,000 for other projects, and it is responsible for preparing post-project appraisals.