HC Deb 10 July 1956 vol 556 cc17-8W
71. Mr. Awbery

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the value, in encouraging friendly relationships, of the interchange of theatrical, choral and other cultural groups between this country and the Union of Societ Socialist Republics; and if he will arrange for Government assistance to be given to increase the number of such exchanges.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

The importance attached by Her Majesty's Government to cultural exchanges with the Soviet Union is clearly shown in the Joint Declaration issued at the end of the Soviet leader's visit to this country in April.

In May of last year, the Soviet Relations Committee of the British Council was set up at the request of Her Majesty's Government. It has achieved a considerable increase in exchanges of the type to which the honourable Member refers.