§ 9. Dr. Ernest A. Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he is taking to increase expenditure on overseas information in the light of the recommendations of the Beeley Report.
§ Mr. Goronwy RobertsThe future level of expenditure on overseas information is still under consideration.
§ Dr. DaviesWhile thanking my hon. Friend for that reply, will he make sure that, if additional expenditure is provided, it is directed towards giving a modern image of Britain to improve our trading prospects? Can we have a little less of this image of the thatched cottage and the Beefeater?
§ Mr. RobertsMy hon. Friend's views are shared by a great many people in this country, including myself.
§ Mr. LongdenDoes not the hon. Gentleman realise that this is one of the most powerful and effective weapons in the cold war and has the great advantage of being bloodless?
§ Mr. RobertsI am fully aware of the importance of the proper level of expenditure on overseas information for the reasons given by the hon. Gentleman as well as those given by my hon. Friend.