§ 3. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many British information officers there are in the British Cameroons; what staffs and offices they have; what journeys they have to take in the course of their work; and if he will consider an increase in the number of British information officers there adequate to the increasing volume of trade and industry there.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. John Profumo)There are no United Kingdom information officers stationed in the Cameroons.
§ Mr. HughesDoes not the Minister consider that there should be such officers in the Cameroons? Various foreign nations are competing successfully with British trade and industry in that area and, therefore, steps should be taken to maintain and protect British trade and industry there.
§ Mr. ProfumoI take the point that the hon. and learned Member makes. There is, however, a United Kingdom Information Office in Lagos, through which United Kingdom information material is available for distribution in the Cameroons.
§ Mr. HughesWhy not have an office in the Cameroons?
§ Mr. ProfumoWe have thought it necessary to concentrate on certain priorities, particularly in the emerging territories.