Written question asked by Michael Trend (Conservative) on Monday, 11 December 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 15 December 2000. It was answered by Lord Hain (Labour) on Friday, 15 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, for what reason the British Council has closed down its operation in Belarus.

Answer: Mr. Trend: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reason the British Council has closed down its operation in Belarus. [142802] Mr. Hain: The decision to close in Belarus followed a strategic review by the British Council designed to maximise its effectiveness world wide. Its new strategy involves updating its overseas network to ensure maximum impact in countries of greatest importance to the United Kingdom, and to free up funds for investment in new, IT-based services. This entails closing in a small number of countries, as well as expanding in some others.

Secondary information