HC Deb 05 December 1939 vol 355 cc486-7W
Mr. Lyons

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the arrangements made by the British Council for a series of sherry and other parties to persons in this country between December, 1939, and March, 1940; to what sections of persons in this country are invitations to be extended; how this is in accordance with the declared policy and aim of the council; and upon what vote will this additional cost be carried?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir. In addition to the tea party given to Austrians in London on 3rd December, receptions will be held this month for foreign authors who are refugees from German oppression and for Polish residents. Similar entertainment may be arranged later for other foreign residents. The purpose of these receptions is to provide an opportunity for foreign refugees in London to establish personal relations with those in this country with similar interests and thus gain an insight into our ways of life and thought. This is strictly in accord with the declared functions of the British Council, as stated in my reply to my hon. Friend on 31st October.

The cost of the entertainment will be me t from the ordinary funds of the council.

Mr. Lyons

asked the Prime Minister what expenses have been incurred by the chairman of the British Council and the staffs travelling with him during the past 12 months?

Mr. Butler

Excluding Lord Lloyd's present visit to the Balkan States, the total cost incurred by the chairman and his staff has been £454 12s. 6d. This sum has covered two visits to France, two to Italy, and tours in Spain, Portugal, Rumania, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Greece and Egypt.

Mr. Lyons

asked the Prime Minister when the appointment was made of a deputy-director general for the British Council; by whom the appointment was made; through what source; what salary attaches to the office; and what are the special qualifications of the person appointed?

Mr. Butler

A Deputy Secretary-General (there is no Deputy Director-General) was appointed in 1937 by the Council's Executive Committee, on the recommendation of the Cambridge University Appointments Board. His present salary is £1,100 a year. The person appointed had had 15 years administrative and financial experience in the Indian Civil Service, including three years as Secretary of the Education Department of the Government of Burma. He is at present assisted by an officer temporarily seconded from His Majesty's Consular Service whose salary is borne on the Foreign Office Vote.