Written question asked by Ben Chapman (Labour) on Friday, 29 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 November 2004. It was answered by Chris Mullin (Labour) on Monday, 8 November 2004 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 make a statement on the work of the British Council in Vietnam.

Answer: Mr. Ben Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the work of the British Council in Vietnam. [195550] Mr. Mullin: The British Council in Vietnam operates in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. It has about 100 staff. Its main activities are English language training, education development, governance, promotion of UK creativity, and of UK education and qualifications, and managing the Chevening Scholarships programme. The Council has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Vietnamese Education and Training Ministry covering support in education development and advice on teaching English. Demand for its education services is growing rapidly, with Hanoi being one of its fastest- growing teaching centres world-wide. Its information centres provide information on all aspects of UK education, life and culture. It has showcased UK achievements in science and technology through a DNA50 exhibition and work on governance issues through programmes such as journalist training. It is also engaged in a capacity-building programme for senior Vietnamese officials.

Secondary information