HC Deb 27 June 1956 vol 555 cc457-8
26. Mr. Tilney

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that Nigerians wishing to train as journalists in the United Kingdom are experiencing difficulty owing to the limited number of institutions which give full-time instruction in journalism, and to trade union objections to the attachment of persons to newspapers in this country; and what steps he is taking to assist them.

Mr. Hare

Eight places are reserved annually for colonial candidates on the course in journalism at the Regent Street Polytechnic. Three Nigerians are attending the present course.

I am not aware of trade union objections to the attachment of Nigerian journalists to newspapers in the United Kingdom. A number of such attachments has been arranged in recent years, and I would welcome the further co-operation of the newspaper industry in this matter.

Mr. Tilney

While thanking my right hon. Friend for the many points which he has put to me in a long letter on this subject, may I ask him if he would agree that it is a Commonwealth interest to have an efficient and balanced Press in Nigeria? Would he consider discussing this problem further, not only with the Newspaper Society, but with the Commonwealth Press Union?

Mr. Hare

Certainly; I am agreeing with my hon. Friend as to the need in this matter. I have said in my Answer to him that we will welcome the co-operation of the newspaper industry. Our next step is to approach the Newspaper Society.

Mr. Bevan

May I ask the Minister whether, if his hon. Friend is able to discover a means of creating a balanced Press out there, he will apply the same principles to Great Britain?

Mr. Hare

I have listened to what the right hon. Gentleman has said.