§ 5. Mr. HURDasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the general character of the subjects covered by the three wireless messages scattered over the globe daily by the News Department of the Foreign Office; whether their official source is clearly indicated in the messages; and whether copies of each day's messages will be filed in the Library of this House so that Members may know what the Foreign Office is saying to foreign nations on behalf of the British people?
Mr. HARMSWORTHThe messages deal with questions and events both domestic and foreign, which are of national importance and of international interest. Their official source is clearly indicated in the messages. The suggestion contained in the last part of my hon. Friend's question would be very troublesome to carry out. The files are open to the inspection of any hon. Member who calls at the Foreign Office to see them.
§ Mr. HURDIs it any special information that is given by the Foreign Office, information obtainable only at the Foreign Office, or is it ordinary matter like that taken from the tapes?
Mr. HARMSWORTHIn part, yes, but generally speaking it is such information as is taken from ordinary sources.