§ 44. Dr. Kingasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the amount expended by his Department in developing cultural relations with Iceland in 1954, 1955 and 1956, respectively.
§ Mr. Ian HarveyOut of its grant-in-aid borne on the Foreign Office Vote, the British Council has devoted the following sums to developing cultural relations with Iceland:
| In the financial year 1954–55 | £777 |
| In the financial year 1955–56 and | £675 |
| In the financial year 1956–57 an estimated | £596 |
§ Dr. KingIs the Minister aware that the ties of cultural and democratic tradition in the two islands are centuries old and that the Anglo-Icelandic Friendship Society, called "Anglia" in Iceland, is doing noble work in building cultural relationships between the two countries? In view of the importance of Iceland to the free world, will he use his influence to see that greater financial aid is given by the Treasury to the British Council for this great work?
§ Mr. HarveyI completely accept what the hon. Member says. The answer to the second part of his supplementary question is contained in the Answer to the next Question he has on the Order Paper.