HC Deb 22 March 1948 vol 448 cc2564-5
32. Mr. Chetwynd

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will arrange for the publication "Something Done" to be translated into the more important foreign languages for sale overseas, so that the achievements of this country from 1945 until 1947 may be more widely publicised; and whether any copies are being distributed in the U.S.A.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

On a point of Order. Has there 'not been a printing error in this Question? Should not the word "achievements" be "failures"?

Mr. Mayhew

It is unfortunately not possible to produce translated versions of this publication, owing to the high cost and technical difficulties involved. Arrangements have, however, been made to provide the Information Officers of our Missions abroad with adequate supplies of the English version for sale. These arrangements, of course, include distribution in the United States.

Mr. Chetwynd

In view of the mischievous intervention that we have just heard from the hon. and gallant Gentleman opposite, is it not all the more desirable that something should be done to spread information about the achievements mentioned in this booklet as widely as possible overseas?

Mr. Mayhew

Yes. I entirely agree. It is a fine thing—a very good thing—when a British Government have achievements to talk about.

Mr. Henry Strauss

In the interests of clarity and truth, could the Minister arrange that any further publications of this document shall include paragraph 245 of the Economic Survey for 1948?