§ 42. Mr. James H. Hoyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what cuts are being made in the services at present provided by the Scottish Information Office.
§ Mr. J. StuartThe services provided by the Scottish Information Office are being reduced in accordance with the policy set out in the reply given by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to the Question asked by the hon. and gallant Member for Renfrew, East (Major Guy Lloyd), on 29th January, 1952.
§ Mr. HoyCan the Secretary of State be more explicit? What services for which he is responsible are to be cut as a result of this economy?
§ Mr. StuartYes, Sir. The Financial Secretary gave a detailed answer. As far as Scotland is concerned, it does involve discontinuance of films distribution by mobile vans and discontinuance of the Central Office of Information lecture service and a reduction of expenditure on exhibitions by approximately one-half.
§ Mr. HoyIn respect of the films service, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is very much appreciated by trade and industry and that the cost involved is not large? Would he reconsider his decision on this specific point?
§ Mr. StuartIt does not mean that there will be no films but that they will be given in the most economical places.