§ 41. Mr. Ernest Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when he expects to receive a report from the Committee appointed to inquire into the overseas information and broadcasting services.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydMy right hon. Friend does not expect to receive the Committee's report before mid-summer. The Committee has made an extensive examination of the overseas information organisation in London. Its members are now inspecting, either individually or in small groups, information activities in various parts of the world including colonial territories. When they reassemble in London towards the end of February, their first task will be to study the considerable number of memoranda submitted to them by organisations or private individuals in this country, and to compare notes on their investigations overseas.
§ Mr. DaviesThe Minister gave an assurance that the existing services would continue. Would he give a further assurance that, in view of the delay in issuing a report from this Committee, he will not use that as an excuse to freeze the present information services should it be desirable to increase them?
§ Mr. LloydAt the moment I will simply say that the present level of activity of the overseas information services will certainly be maintained pending consideration of this matter.