§ Sir P. Hannonasked the Minister of Information whether he will make a statement on the activities of the Institute of the British Council at Madrid; how far the institute is in contact with universities and colleges in Spain; and if the work of the institute is supported by the broadcasts in Spanish of the British Broadcasting Corporation?
§ Mr. LawI have been asked to reply. The British Institute in Madrid was opened in August, 1940, and is primarily intended to be a centre for the study of the English language. Amongst its activities, which are purely cultural, may be mentioned classes for students, including Spanish teachers of English, and a school for young children. In addition, the institute possesses a library and organises lectures and concerts of English music. I am confident that the institute is establishing contacts in all circles interested in its cultural activities. As regards the last part of the Question, the British Broadcasting Corporation and the British Council are engaged in rather different fields of activity, but I have no2064W reason to suppose that their work is not mutually helpful in promoting closer cultural relations between this country and Spain.
§ Sir P. Hannonasked the Minister of Information whether he will make a statement on the programme and educational activities of the British Institute at Lisbon?
§ Mr. LawI have been asked to reply. The activities of the British Institute in Lisbon are purely cultural. It serves as a centre for the study of the English language, for the dissemination of British culture and ideas by means of lectures, concerts and cinema performances, and as a social centre where Portuguese and British can meet. By the end of 1940 nearly 1,000 Portuguese students were learning English at the Institute and many others had to be refused admittance owing to lack of space.