HC Deb 26 March 1956 vol 550 c1773
52. Mr. Russell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the conference of information officers from British embassies and legations in the Middle East, which was held in Beirut last week.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

It is normal practice to hold such regional consultations from time to time.

Mr. Russell

Will my right hon. and learned Friend say whether any steps are being taken, as a result of that conference, to improve our propaganda in the Middle East, particularly in view of the anti-British campaign being waged by Radio Cairo and other wireless stations?

Mr. Lloyd

The answer is "Yes, Sir."

Mr. Dugdale

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree that in spite of all the attacks made on the Ministry of Information by his colleagues, these gentlemen are performing a very useful service?

Mr. Lloyd

I think they are performing a useful service, but I also think that it is capable of improvement.

Mr. S. Silverman

Would not the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree that if Her Majesty's Government had an intelligible policy in the Middle East they would not need so much propaganda?

Mr. Lloyd

Naturally the hon. Gentleman will not expect me to agree with the premise upon which his question is based.