§ 58. Mr. Haireasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what are the difficulties placed in the way of the British Council in Eastern Europe; and whether reciprocal action is taken here.
§ Mr. MayhewVisas for British Council staff are sometimes refused, and often, perhaps unintentionally, delayed. Difficulties also arise from unjustified suspicions of political activity on the part of Council staff. This has at times led to police action against local clerical staff employed by the Council. Reciprocal action has, however, not so far been taken by His Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. HaireIn view of the difficulties, can my hon. Friend assure the House that he has no intention of reducing the activities of the British Council in Eastern Europe, particularly in the light of the economies recently announced by the Prime Minister?
§ Mr. MayhewNo, Sir, I am afraid I cannot give that assurance.
§ Mr. PiratinHow does the hon. Gentleman reconcile his present reply with the reply he gave to my hon. Friend the Member for West Fife (Mr. Gallacher) two or three weeks ago, when he outlined the facilities provided by Czechoslovakia and other such countries to our British Council for the dissemination of information?
§ Mr. ChamberlainWould it not be wrong for my hon. Friend to suggest that there are widespread difficulties? Whereas these difficulties may exist here and there, does he not agree that, in general, the British Council is allowed to proceed, and is encouraged to proceed, with its work?
§ Mr. MayhewIt certainly varies from country to country, but I think that the balance of my answer is about correct.