Written question asked by Cheryl Gillan (Conservative) on Wednesday, 13 December 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 20 December 2000. It was answered by Lord Hain (Labour) on Wednesday, 20 December 2000 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will list the offices approved for closure by the board of the British Council as a result of the council's new strategy. - Includes list. (Holding answer 18 December 2000).

Answer: Mrs. Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the offices approved for closure by the board of the British Council as a result of the Council's new strategy. [143297] Mr. Hain: [holding answer 18 December 2000]: The Council's new strategy involves updating its overseas network to ensure maximum impact in countries of greatest importance to the UK, and the expansion of new IT-based services, especially in western Europe. In line with this, the Council has announced the closure of subordinate offices in Hamburg, Cologne, Munich, Leipzig and Turin. The closure of the country directorates in Belarus, Ecuador, Lesotho and Swaziland, and the offices in Kaduna, Enugu and Ibadan in Nigeria have also been agreed. Further closures will be announced over the next five years after consultation with the relevant authorities in each country and the staff affected.

Secondary information