HC Deb 10 May 1944 vol 399 cc1895-6
37. Captain Gammans

asked the Minister of Information if he is satisfied that the staff of the British Information Service in the U.S.A. is adequate for the work which it has to perform; and if, in view of the vital importance of explaining adequately to the American people the war effort of Great Britain, he will consider an increase of staff.

The Minister of Information (Mr. Brendan Bracken)

There is a steady increase in the number of requests for information and assistance received by our staff in America from the American Press, radio and film industry. I have no doubt that there is work enough to employ a much larger staff were it not for the overriding need to conserve British manpower.

Mr. Driberg

Is it not the case that the bureau in Chicago in particular, which is doing admirable work but has to cover a vast area, is still very seriously understaffed?

Mr. Bracken

I think we are very seriously understaffed in New York, Washington and Chicago, but we are held up by lack of man-power and lack of dollars.

Mr. John Dugdale

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the claims of those men who have lectured in America in peace-time with very great success, and have a very big following in that country?

Mr. Bracken

No, Sir. I will not consider the claims of lecturers. I have had a pretty rough experience of some lecturers in the United States, and I have no intention of using them.

Viscountess Astor

Have not some of them done us a great deal of harm by preaching peace on any terms?

41. Mr. John Wilmot

asked the Minister of Information if he will place in the Library copies of the booklets and other matter issued by British Information Services, New York.

Mr. Bracken

The British Information Services in New York issue a great deal of material, most of which has a topical interest only. It would be a burden to the Library and to Transatlantic transport to bring over the bulk of it, but I will gladly supply the hon. Member with the material issued on any particular subject that he may have in mind.

Mr. Wilmot

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that answer, might I ask whether, in view of the high value and general interest of some of these excellent publications, samples of them can be placed in the Library for the information of hon. Members?

Mr. Bracken

Yes, Sir, I will get a few samples; but I can promise only a very few. May I say that all the statements made here to-day, paying such high tribute to my officials in the United States, are the best encouragement to them in their hard work?