§ 13. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the influence of the Press in promoting international understanding and moulding public opinion against war; and if he will take steps to devise a reciprocal plan whereby, before both the Prime Minister's forthcoming visit to the United States of America and the Summit Conference, the libraries of the Parliaments of Great Britain, the United States of America, and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics shall each receive daily copies of the three leading daily newspapers circulating in Great Britain, the United States of America, and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, respectively.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydThe answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir."
So far as the second part is concerned, United States and Soviet newspapers are available in the Library of the House. I have every reason to believe that the principal British and Soviet newspapers are also available in the Library of Congress. I have no information about the newspapers available to the Soviet Parliament, but I will inquire.
§ Mr. HughesDoes not the Foreign Secretary realise that this is so important a matter that he should not suppose about it, but should do something 145 definite? Is he aware that the cost of this proposal would be negligible compared with the enormous prospects of peace; that world peace depends upon understanding, and that it is his duty to do everything possible to promote it in the way that I suggest?