§ 2.48 p.m.
Lord CAMPBELL of CROYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what stage has been reached in the review being carried out of the role of the British information services in the United States.
321§ The MINISTER of STATE, FOREIGN and COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (Lord Goronwy-Roberts)My Lords, following the Central Policy Review Staff's review of overseas representation, Ministers have been considering the level of information staffing in our major posts, including those in the United States. This process, which involves a careful examination of each post's individual requirements, has not yet been completed and no decisions have been taken.
Lord CAMPBELL of CROYMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for that reply. Do the Government consider it any less important now, in 1978, that Britain's policies and views should be expertly and effectively projected in the United States, and, if not, can the noble Lord give an assurance that no significant changes will he made before full Parliamentary consideration has been completed on the relevant recommendations in the CPRS report?
§ Lord GORONWY-ROBERTSMy Lords, I can certainly give the assurance asked for by the noble Lord that our representation in this respect in the United States and, indeed, in other major posts will be maintained as a result of this consideration at a viable and effective level. As soon as decisions have been reached, I have no doubt that Statements will be made which will enable both Houses of Parliament to debate what is proposed.