§ 18. Mr. David Adamsasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies the nature and extent of the proposed work of the British Council in the West Indies; and also the duties to be undertaken by Mr. F. W. Gray, as representative there of this council?
§ Mr. Harold MacmillanAs the reply is rather long, with my hon. Friend's permission, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the reply:
§ The extension of the activities of the British Council to the West Indies is part of a plan approved by His Majesty's Government for the expansion of the Council's work in the Colonial Empire. The nature and extent of the work in the West Indies will be determined in relation to local needs after consultation with the Governments, the Comptroller of Welfare and Development and local associations. The work will include collaboration with local cultural organisations with a view to the dissemination of information regarding British thought and ways of life including the drama, the fine arts and music, and the establishment of cultural centres where they do not already exist. Other activities will include the provision of scholarships to Great Britain, the organisation of libraries and the supply of British books, periodicals and Press material; the distribution of "British news" and documentary films illustrative of life in Britain and of British culture. The duties of Mr. F. D. Gray will be primarily administrative. It is intended to associate with him a Cultural Adviser for the West Indies.