24. Lieut. - Commander HILTON YOUNGasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the tribute paid by the Foreign Office Committee on British Communities Abroad to the very valuable work which is being carried on by the British Institute at Florence, any decision has been arrived at as to the express recommendation of the Committee that the Government should continue to subsidise the Institute; and whether every effort will be made to encourage this and similar institutions which are promoting a good understanding betwen this and other countries?
Mr. HARMSWORTHThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The recommendation of the Committee has been considered by the Government, who have, however, decided that they are unable to sanction further expenditure by the British Exchequer 2573 upon the support of the Institute. The valuable work carried on by the Institute is fully realised, and every effort is being made to give it all possible assistance other than by a subsidy.