§ Brigadier-General BROOKEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if 888W he will state the cost of carrying on the British official radio service, who selects the material to be sent out by the radio, what principles actuate his choice of information, and whether much of the material it sends out covers the same ground as the news agencies?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINThe annual payment made by the Foreign Office to the General Post Office is approximately £9,000. The service is compiled in the Foreign Office. The information disseminated is prepared with the object of ensuring abroad an adequate presentation of official statements and of British views on international questions, and of improving the supply of trustworthy intelligence concerning events in this country. It is not possible, without full information as to the material sent by news agencies, to estimate the extent of any duplication that may occur. It is known, however, that agencies operating in many foreign countries and within the Empire receive and widely distribute the British Official Wireless Service as well as their own material.