HC Deb 13 November 1945 vol 415 cc1920-1
71. Mr. Driberg

asked the Minister of Information if he will make a statement on the future of the British Information Services in the U.S.A.

Mr. E. J. Williams

I regret that I cannot make any statement on this matter until the general future of the Ministry of Information is decided.

Mr. Driberg

Are the statements which have appeared that the staff has recently been drastically reduced correct, and is it not more important than ever at this moment to have the British case presented authoritatively and adequately in America?

Mr. Williams

I agree with my hon. Friend's remark. I think the case should be presented adequately to America. With regard to the first part of his supplementary question, the staff has been substantially reduced during the last few months.

Mr. Driberg

I am sorry—I could not hear. Has the staff been cut or not?

Mr. Williams

Yes, it has, but the statements in the Press are not quite accurate.

Mr. Driberg

How much has it been cut, and why?

Mr. Williams

I would ask my hon. Friend to put that question on the Paper.