HC Deb 22 July 1958 vol 592 c224
58. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will take steps to ensure that broadcast news transmitted to the Seychelles is given in both English and French.

Mr. Profumo

No, Sir.

Mr. Swingler

Is it not desirable that citizens in the Seychelles should be able to get broadcast news in their native language? Why will not the Government take steps to see that this information service is provided?

Mr. Profumo

Because a service in French would be quite unjustified and unduly costly. I do not know from where the hon. Gentleman gets his information, but it is not true to say that French is widely spoken in the Seychelles. The local language commonly spoken is Creole, which is quite different.

Mr. Swingler

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the newspapers in the Seychelles are produced in both French and English, which would seem to prove my case?