To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills (1) what steps he has (a) taken and (b) plans to take to promote studying at British universities in Israel; and if he will make a statement; (216349)

The Government are seeking through the second phase of the Prime Minister's initiative for international education (PMI2), to maintain and enhance the UK's position as a leading study destination. Marketing UK education, including but not exclusively higher education, is a core component of the PMI2 and this function is exercised by the British Council on the Department's behalf. The British Council is involved in a range of activities to support higher education links between the UK and Israel with around £450,000 spent in 2007-08 on these activities.