§ 13. Dr. Strossasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps have been taken by the public information services of his Department in the United States of America to put before the American people the quality and administration of the British social services; and what proportion of the curent estimate for information services in the United States of America is devoted to this purpose
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerIt is not possible to break down the expenditure on our information services on the basis of the subject matter of the output. No opportunity is, however, lost of providing information on all aspects of our social services to the American public.
§ Dr. StrossWhile thanking the hon. Gentleman for that reply, and understanding the difficulties in breaking down the estimate, may I ask whether he is aware that there is considerable misinformation in the United States and some prejudice against the comprehensive Health Service we enjoy, directed by certain sections of the American medical Press and medical organisations? Will the hon. Gentleman bear this in mind and see what can be done to ensure that the truth, the simple facts, are presented more clearly and more often?
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerI do not think there is anything wrong with the presentation of the facts. I have myself met in the United States a great deal of appreciation of the information which is made avail- 10 able through British Information Services, and possibly this Question and answer may encourage others who have not done so to make use of those very effective services.