§ 31. Mr. Shinwellasked the Prime Minister whether changes of personnel have recently taken place, or are contemplated, in the Foreign Office News Department; and whether such changes will have regard to the immediate need for increasing the scope and effectiveness of British news circulated to countries abroad?
§ Mr. ButlerThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The question of increasing the scope and effectiveness of British news circulated to countries abroad has been under active consideration for some time past and considerable progress has been made in many directions.
§ Mr. ShinwellMay I ask whether Mr. Leeper has been withdrawn from this particular department?
§ Mr. ButlerNo, Sir; on the contrary, Mr. Leeper is actively engaged on the very work to which the hon. Gentleman's question is directed.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs it the intention of the Government to strengthen this department?
§ Mr. ButlerYes, Sir.