§ 47. Mr. Russellasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps are being taken by British Information Services in the United States of America to correct the distorted impression of Great Britain given in a recent television programme broadcast throughout the United States of America.
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreThe resources of the British Information Services are constantly employed to further understanding of the United Kingdom and to deal with criticism. I am glad to say that, no doubt partly as a result of the regular and frequent flow of accurate information made available by the British Information Services, friendly news about Britain considerably outweighs any distorted material.
§ Mr. RussellHow much is television used in this respect? Is my right hon. Friend aware that these programmes, according to Press reports, give various incidents, such as demonstrations against United States bases in this country, as being typical of the British attitude, when they are not even typical of the party opposite? Does not my right hon. Friend think that distortions like that ought to be corrected in the medium in which they are given?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreI understand that about 250 television stations in the United States use our British information material. It must be borne in mind that a one-sided programme is the kind that makes news, and that it is not by any means typical of television programmes put out in the United States.
§ 48. Mr. Liptonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action he is taking to improve British information services in the United States of America.
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreThe operations of the British Information Services in the United States are always being reviewed and steps are taken to ensure that a fair picture of developments in this country is presented as effectively as possible.
§ Mr. LiptonHas the right hon. Gentleman seen reports that the overwhelming majority of people in the United States do not know or understand what British policy is on a variety of major issues? Is not that a very unsatisfactory state of affairs as between two allies which causes much misunderstanding? Is the right hon. Gentleman taking active steps to deal with it?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreI do not know whether the hon. Gentleman really has this great knowledge about what all the people in America know or do not know. We have considerably increased British information services in the United States. I believe that hon. Members of this House who have been in the United States will attest to the very good work done by these services?
§ Mr. BevanIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, having regard to the means at their disposal, some of us in this House regard those in charge of British information services in America as highly efficient and extremely good officers?