HC Deb 11 February 1957 vol 564 cc886-7
3. Mr. Teeling

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of the fact that the British Consulate-General at Nice is being closed down in order to economise in the Foreign Office expenditure for France, why a new British Council Information Centre is to be opened in Lyons; what will be the cost of this new centre both as to staff and premises; and what furniture and equipment from Nice are to be transferred to Lyons.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Ian Harvey)

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to a proposal to open, in collaboration with the Association France-Grande Bretagne (a voluntary body), a room over the existing privately-run British Library in Lyons. The room has been made available at a nominal rent of £25 per annum, which will be paid by the Association. It will be used as a reading room for the members of the Library and as a centre for persons in Lyons interested in Britain. Her Majesty's Government have agreed to meet non-recurring expenditure on renovations and alterations up to £650. There may be some small expenditure on furniture and equipment: some of that from Nice may be used. It is expected that the reading room will be staffed by voluntary help.

Mr. Teeling

I fully realise that it is always a very good idea for the British Council to develop in different parts of the world, but, in view of the fact that we are trying very hard to economise in France with regard to our expenditure there, especially with regard to consulates, can my hon. Friend say why it has suddenly been decided, in this time of economy, to do something in the line of development expenditure in Lyons?

Mr. Harvey

The expenditure is very small, and I think it is justified.

Mr. Anthony Greenwood

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that many of us would regard it as a real act of economy to spend money on an information office in the important industrial centre of Lyons instead of upon a consulate-general in Nice?

Mr. Harvey

I have taken note of the hon. Gentleman's views, with which I do not necessarily associate myself.