§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the good governance work of the British Council and its contribution to an ethical dimension in foreign policy. [65183]
§ Mr. FatchettThe promotion of good government worldwide is a priority for the Government and a central feature in building an ethical dimension in foreign policy. The British Council makes a valuable contribution to this policy in its work overseas in areas such as the promotion of democratic institutions and procedures, the reform of public sector institutions, the role of the media, legal systems and conflict resolution.
§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the(a) extent and (b) impact of reductions in the Government grant to the British Council between 1979 and 1996. [65185]
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§ Mr. FatchettFrom 1979 the British Council's grant-in-aid fluctuated considerably with reductions in 1979–80, 1980–81, 1986–87 and 1992–93. The most recent reduction was in 1996–97 when the grant-in-aid decreased by 6 per cent. in real terms. As a result the Council reduced its headquarters staff by 26 per cent., relocated its Manchester office and restructured overseas directorates. In spite of these fluctuations, the Council expanded its overseas network from 70 countries in 1979 to 109 in 1996 in response to changes in the international environment and the opportunities these opened up.
§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has on the progress being made by the British Council in appointing a new Director-General.[65184]
§ Mr. FatchettThe British Council has received a good response to its recruitment campaign for a new Director General. The Nomination Sub-Committee of the Board of the British Council expects to draw up a short list of candidates this month and to conduct final interviews in February. Given normal notice periods the Council hopes to have a new Director General in place by June.
§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the benefit to Britain of the English language teaching and promotion undertaken by the British Council. [65186]
§ Mr. FatchettThe FCO's annual survey of the work of the British Council demonstrates that the Council's English language work is making an increasingly important contribution to the objectives of British missions abroad. This work increases respect for British values and creates export opportunities for the UK, while being welcomed by host countries as a valued contribution to their communities.
§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his plans for the British Council over the next five years. [65182]
§ Mr. FatchettThe British Council, as the UK's principal agency for cultural relations overseas, will continue to contribute to the achievement of the Government's foreign policy objectives for the foreseeable future. Working in close consultation with the FCO and through its skill and expertise, it will provide essential support to our overall diplomatic effort.