§ 4. Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the Secretary for Technical Co-operation if he will consider sending teams of British journalists overseas to conduct short training courses for newspapermen in developing countries.
§ Mr. VosperI should be prepared to consider a request for this form of assistance if it were made by an overseas Government or Governments, and if it appeared the most suitable way of meeting the need.
§ Mr. ThomsonWhile thanking the Minister for having an open mind on this suggestion, may I ask him if he is aware that this kind of scheme seems to have been operated successfully under American auspices? Is he aware that helping the newspapers to establish good standards in the emergent countries is a very important contribution to general adult education?
§ Mr. VosperYes. I am aware of the American initiative. I am also aware of the initiative of the Thompson Foundation in this country. Although the suggestion of the hon. Member is a good one, I cannot dictate to overseas countries that they should apply for this particular form of technical asistance. However, I am quite willing to meet it if they should apply.