§ 25. Mr. Ernest Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whom he consults in regard to the selection of speakers sent to the United States of America under the sponsorship of the Foreign Office.
§ Mr. NuttingHer Majesty's Embassy at Washington, the British Information Services in New York, and, in the case of Parliamentary speakers, the usual channels are consulted.
§ Mr. DaviesHave not the usual channels become blocked, in view of the fact that no Members of Parliament have been sent on any missions to the United States since 1950, and is it not possible to revert to the position obtaining during the period 1945–50 when an equal number of hon. Members went from each side of the House? Is there some difficulty about pairing at the present time?
§ Mr. NuttingPerhaps that matter might be considered through the usual channels.
§ Sir H. WilliamsDoes not my hon. Friend think that far too much foreign currency is expended by Members of Parliament on trips to foreign countries?