HC Deb 01 November 1937 vol 328 cc518-9
17. Captain Peter Macdonald

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the continued damage being done to British trade interests in South America by the absence of any adequate British news service in that continent; and whether the Government will take steps to subsidise the establishment of such a service in the interests of British overseas trade?

Mr. Eden

I am aware that the view expressed in the first part of the question is held in certain quarters. With regard to the second part of the question, no application for a subsidy has been received from any news agency, and the hon. Member will appreciate that such a proposal would raise very serious issues.

Captain Macdonald

Is it not a fact that representations have continually been made from various parts of South America for some means of counteracting the news services which serve this country and which generally are detrimental to British interests?

Mr. Eden

I am well aware of the situation, but I cannot add more at the moment.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Has the Foreign Office recently had any conference with Press experts or the British Broadcasting Corporation concerning this matter?

Mr. Eden

That is a question of which I should like to have notice.