§ 9. Mr. Darlingasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what improvements have been made in the London Press Service on the lines suggested in the White Paper on Overseas Information Services.
Dr. HillFurther regionalisation and extension of this service has already begun and will be completed by next March. Rearrangement into six geographical groups is now taking place. A new service to Australia has already begun. Separate services have also been started to India and Ceylon, and to Pakistan instead of the former combined service. Technical improvements to transmission and reception are also being made.
§ Mr. DarlingThe Chancellor will recollect that reference is made in the White Paper to the London Press Service going to the free countries of the world. Is there any chance of this excellent service being extended so that it goes to countries which we do not describe as being free countries of the world?
Dr. HillMuch of it, as the hon. Member realises, goes by wireless; practically the whole goes by wireless. There is nothing to prevent its reception in countries which he describes as not being free.
§ Mr. Anthony GreenwoodAs the selection of items of news by the London Press Service has occasionally been criticised in the past in this House, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of making the London Press Service available to hon. Members in the Library?
Dr. HillI will consider that. It would be a rather tedious business. I would much rather study any complaints which hon. Gentlemen have as to its lack of impartiality.