§ 2. Mr. Mayhewasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what overall directives he has issued concerning the policy to be adopted by the Overseas Information Service in response to the Communist propaganda theme of competitive coexistence.
Dr. HillI do not issue overall directives. Ministers—and particularly the Foreign Secretary—have made plain the Government's views on this subject, and the Overseas Information Services have reflected and explained those views.
§ Mr. MayhewDoes the Minister agree that while the Communist conception of co-existence is wide open to attack, it might be as well, apart from just attacking it, if one or two non-Communist countries made clear our conception of co-existence, which is superior to and different from the Communist conception?
Dr. HillI take note of what the hon. Member said, but in essence he is questioning policy, and such questions should more properly be put to my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesWill the Minister tell us what is wrong with competitive co-existence? Is it not a great deal better than mutual suicide? If he seeks 877 to alter his line of propaganda, will he keep in mind the statement made by the Prime Minister at the Embassy in Moscow during his visit when he said about Russia,
The rate and quality of your progress are indeed extraordinary and, so far as I know, unparalleled in history"?Is he also aware that the Prime Minister said,Across the Steppes glows the furnace of industry beckoning to a promised land.Why not put that in his propaganda if he is to do anything?
Dr. HillI will not comment on the differences between the hon. Member for South Ayrshire (Mr. Emrys Hughes) and his hon. Friend the Member for Woolwich, East (Mr. Mayhew). They can sort them out between themselves.