HC Deb 25 January 1954 vol 522 cc1429-30
3. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will now publish a White Paper containing the recommendations of the Drogheda Committee on the Overseas Information Services and the Government's intentions in regard thereto.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Douglas Dodds-Parker)

I have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member of 14th December.

Mr. Davies

What is holding this up? As the Report has been in the hands of the Government since last July and the Estimates must now be issued, until decisions are made it will be impossible for the Departments to determine how much is to be spent in the coming year on overseas information.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

Those points are very much in the mind of the Government and a decision will be taken before the Estimates are made.

Mr. Davies

Is the Treasury holding this up? What are the recommendations of this Committee? Is it not true that it recommends a further increase in overseas expenditure? Cannot the House be told whether this is to take place or not?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

This will all be announced at the right time and a decision taken by the Government as a whole.

Mr. Edelman

Is it not unfair to organisations like the British Council to require them to make important changes on the basis of the Report before the details have been published?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

I think the British Council is, in general, aware of what is required and can take future recommendations into account.

Mr. H. Morrison

Can the hon. Gentleman tell the House when a statement is likely to be made? This has been talked about for a long time and it is due to the House that we should know where the Government stand; it is also due to our friends in Europe that they should know where the Government stand.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

A statement will be made as soon as possible and the Government are aware of the importance of making a statement.

Mr. Davies

I beg to give notice that, in view of the very unsatisfactory reply, I shall raise the matter again.