Boris saves City Hall 'embassies'

BORIS Johnson today announced that City Hall's "foreign embassies" would continue because they are a good way of promoting London abroad during the economic downturn.

The Mayor set up a review to see if five international offices set up by his predecessor Ken Livingstone offered value for money. He has concluded the GLA operations in Delhi, Mumbai, Shanghai, Beijing and Brussels are vital in helping the capital through the recession.

Deputy mayor Ian Clement, who conducted the review, said there was scope for cutting running costs, which stood at a total £1.4 million last year. He said: "The review has found the GLA's offices play an important role in promoting London's interests. However, there are significant savings we can make."

Mr Johnson is due to close a sixth office in Venezuela.