HC Deb 06 February 1962 vol 653 c204
6. Sir Richard Pilkington

asked the Secretary for Technical Co-operation what is the percentage increase or decrease in sums now being spent on information services overseas compared with ten years ago.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Peter Thomas)

I have been asked to reply.

The increase is nearly 100 per cent.

Sir Richard Pilkington

That is a very satisfactory Answer. Does my hon. Friend agree that this is one of the things in which there should not be economies? Are not ideas worth many battalions?

Mr. Thomas

I agree that this is a very important matter, and we should like to see these services expanded.