HC Deb 21 June 1939 vol 348 cc2202-3
3. Mr. Errington

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the increasing and beneficial activities of the British Council, he will cause information of these activities to be made available to Members of Parliament who are interested?

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Butler)

A book called "An Outline of Activities of the British Council" has recently been prepared in addition to the Council's quarterly reports. I am arranging for copies of these publications to be placed in the Library of the House. I am sure that the Council would be happy to supply copies or to give further information of its activities to any hon. Member who may care to apply to them.

Mr. A. V. Alexander

May we take it that the new Ministry of Information will not in any way damp down the activities of the Council?

Mr. Butler

The right hon. Gentleman is wrong in saying that there is a new Ministry of Information. There is not actually a Ministry. The new Foreign Publicity Department relating to this subject will, I am quite sure, give the British Council the same support as has been given in the past.