§ 8. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what steps he is taking to co-ordinate information about a Polaris base in Scotland, and to ensure that this information is widely distributed throughout the United States of America.
Dr. HillThe facts and arguments about the facilities for the Polaris submarines have been stated in Parliament and accordingly reported in the output of the official overseas information services distributed in America and elsewhere.
§ Mr. HughesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the opposition to Polaris is much more clamant outside Parliament than inside? Will he take steps to see to it that American citizens are adequately informed about the opposition of such bodies as the Scottish Trades Union Congress and of the protest of such eminent Church of Scotland dignitaries as the Very Rev. Sir George MacCleod and the Minister of St. Giles' Cathedral?
Dr. HillThere are many observers in this country who can faithfully report the picture, as they see it, across the water—and they do.
§ Mr. ShinwellWhy should not the right hon. Gentleman convey to the United States, through official information resources, what has happened in Scotland recently, such as the huge demonstrations and the protest made not only by trade unionists and Labour people but by churches? Why should not the American public be informed of these issues?