§ Mr. Philips Priceasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what cultural conventions are now in force between this country and other countries; and whether he is satisfied that the British Council's ability to implement these conventions will not be prejudiced by the proposed reduction in the funds at their disposal.
§ Mr. MayhewCultural Conventions are now in force between this country and Belgium, Brazil, Czechoslovakia, France and Norway. A Convention was signed with the Netherlands in July, 1948; the exchange of instruments of ratification has not yet taken place; but the Convention is in practice already in operation and two meetings of the Mixed Commission provided for in this Convention have already taken place. We are in negotiation with the Governments of Luxembourg, Italy and Portugal for the making of Cultural Conventions.
The reduction in the British Council's grant-in-aid for 1950–51 will certainly entail a reduction in the funds available for work in these countries. However, I hope that the cuts will not adversely affect the ability of the British Council to implement the Conventions. In addition, although the British Council is His Majesty's Government's principal agent for the execution of activities falling within the scope of these Conventions, the Ministry of Education are also concerned, and the universities and various private organisations are actively assisting in furthering their objects.