HC Deb 30 June 1959 vol 608 c234
43. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the appropriations for the Information Services in Northern Rhodesia have been cut; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The revised provision of £87,016 in 1958–59 compared with £122,840 in 1957–58 is accounted for mainly by the transfer of responsibility for broadcasting in Northern Rhodesia to an independent Corporation.

Mr. Wall

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that, in spite of the transfer of broadcasting, the appropriations still represent a cut in the Information Services? In view of the present situation in Central Africa, should we not be spending more on our Information Services rather than less?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

We work according to a budget. The Government do as well as they can—I think very well—on the money available.