Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 29 June 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 July 2005. It was answered by Jack Straw (Labour) on Wednesday, 6 July 2005 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Moldova

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to facilitate a British Council presence in Moldova.

Answer: The British Council currently covers Moldova from its office in Romania, from where, among other things, it manages scholarship programmes for Moldavians, conducts English language testing and arranges arts events for Moldova in conjunction with the British embassy. In addition the Council has a library close to the Moldovan border which serves around 500 Moldovan students.If a British Council presence in Moldova became desirable, taking into account demand, resources and competing pressures, the Foreign and Commonwealth office would assist as appropriate.

Secondary information