To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what changes have been made in the geographic distribution of British diplomatic posts overseas in the last 10 years; what policy objectives these changes reflect; and if he will make a statement. (174793)

The following changes have been made in the geographic distribution of British diplomatic posts, including embassies, high commissions, consulate-generals and consulates overseas in the last 10 years.

Americas: a net reduction of 12 posts (includes two posts due to shut in 2007-08);

Europe: a net reduction of three posts;

Asia and Pacific: a net reduction of four posts;

Africa: a net reduction of four posts;

Middle East and North Africa (including Iraq): a net gain of two posts;

Russia, South Caucasus and Central Asia: a net gain of two posts; and

South Asia and Afghanistan: a net gain of one post.

This answer does not include offices of lesser status such as trade offices, British commercial offices and business information centres.