TNAG-2766-FCO40-3983-Hong-Kong-and-the-media-interviews--press-briefings-and-the--1993 — Page 46

Answer: The grant for the British Council will be maintained

as planned for 1993/94 Precise funding levels for the following years will depend on the outcome of the 1993 Public

Expenditure Survey.

Question:

Implications for the BBC World Service?

Answer: The BBC World Service grant was agreed for a

three-year period ending in 1993/94. That agreement stands. Funding for the following three years (the "triennium") will be

discussed next year in the context of the 1993 Public

Expenditure Survey.

Question: Why is 1992/93 estimated outturn so much higher than

the 1991/1992 or planned figures?

Answer: Differences mainly accounted for by expenditure on

international peacekeeping operations in Iraq, Kuwait, Ε1

Salvador, Yugoslavia, Cambodia, Somalia and Angola; and a

transfer from HM Treasury for superannuation costs.

Question: Are you considering cutting consular or commercial

work?

Answer: Both consular and support work continue to be a high

priority for the FCO. FCO will consider carefully (in the case

of commercial work, with the DTI), how to maintain the highest possible level of service within the new constraints.

Question: Why is manpower figure for 1992/93 so much higher

than planned?

Answer: Definition of scope of manpower figures has changed

since 1992 Report. This year have also introduced improved

IT. This accounts for disparity in figures. But plans show

mgAC.brief DepRep