HC Deb 11 November 1948 vol 457 cc1713-4
37. Sir Patrick Hannon

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if the cultural and educational work of the British Council in India and Pakistan will be continued and, if possible, enlarged; if separate organisations will operate in these Dominions, respectively; and if he will state the number of officers, Grades I and II, allocated to each Dominion.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

Yes, Sir. The British Council has already set up offices at New Delhi and Karachi, and plans for the development of its work in India and Pakistan are in hand. The number of the staff is now 11. six of whom were recruited in India and Pakistan.

Sir. P. Hannon

Will the Secretary of State do everything he possibly can to encourage this work in Pakistan and India, in view of the valuable educational outlook which is given to the people of those Dominions and in view of the valuable work which the British Council has done throughout the whole world?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Yes, Sir, the Government attach great importance to the maintenance of close cultural relations between India and Pakistan and this country.