HC Deb 08 November 1948 vol 457 cc1266-7
56. Sir Patrick Hannon

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the activities of the British Council in Czechoslovakia and Hungary will be continued in the future; and what number of officers, lecturers and clerical staff are now maintained in those countries, respectively.

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

It is not proposed to discontinue these British Council activities. The London-appointed establishment of the British Council in Czechoslovakia is: general and specialist officers, 13; teaching and lecturing, 9; clerical, 3; the corresponding figures for Hungary are 6, 5 and 2.

Sir P. Hannon

In view of the changed circumstances in the political outlook of these countries, does the Minister think it is fitting that the British taxpayer should pay for the benevolent work of the British Council there?

Mr. Mayhew

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend regards these contacts as definitely useful.

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