§ 26. Mr. Profumoasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the consultations between the British Broadcasting Corporation, the British Council and the Government Departments concerned, regarding the political and strategic aspects of our overseas information services, have yet been concluded; and if he will now make a statement.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Anthony Nutting)These consultations are still taking place, and I do not think that I can usefully make any statement at this stage.
§ Mr. ProfumoWhile appreciating that there is a great deal of ground to be covered in these consultations, may I ask if my hon. Friend can give any indication of when the Committee will be able to publish its findings?
§ Mr. NuttingI very much hope that the Committee of Inquiry will have concluded its deliberations by the end of next month, but I do not want to give any firm undertaking to the House because, 1182 as the House will realise, this is a very wide field which covers matters connected not only with the Foreign Office but with other Departments.