§ Mr. BradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) when he intends to inform British Council staff based in Manchester of his detailed proposals for changes in the staffing and functions of the Manchester office; [86108]
(2) what proposals he has to change (a) the number of British Council staff in Manchester and (b) the functions of the British Council which are currently based in Manchester. [86109]
§ Mr. HoonIssues concerning staff, their duties and location are matters for the British Council. I understand that there are no proposals to change staffing and functions based in Manchester. The British Council is committed to its Manchester location until 2002 when there is an option to continue the leases on its current accommodation. The British Council is reviewing the options on premises and staffing in the light of its overall strategy and funding. Staff and their representatives will continue to be informed and consulted.