§ 6. Mr. Mayhewasked the Secretary for Technical Co-operation what information work will be curtailed or postponed as a result of the cut in information expenditure overseas in 1962–63.
§ Mr. VosperTotal estimates for overseas information work in 1962-63 are, of course, over £1 million more than last year. Within that total, many small reductions of staff and services have been made in order to reduce expenditure overseas. They have been made primarily in friendly countries, where reliable news about Britain is available through other channels, and generally where economies could be achieved without serious damage.
§ Mr. MayhewNevertheless, is not the Minister aware that these cuts, which are sudden and unexpected, can be very wasteful, frustrating and damaging to our reputation overseas? Will he say what he is doing to put the future of the information services on a long-term basis so that they can plan over a period of years and know where they stand?
§ Mr. VosperThese savings flow from the statement which my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor made last July. The hon. Member will have noticed, so far as costs are concerned, that full allowance has been made, and, in fact, some new services have been started up in the current year. In regard to a stable policy for the future, I am as anxious as the hon. Member is to see that achieved, but I cannot go further than my original statement today.