HC Deb 23 October 1961 vol 646 cc15-6W
49 and 50. Mr. Mayhew

asked the Lord Privy Seal (1) why he is proposing to reduce information expenditure in foreign countries; and what form the proposed reductions will take;

(2) why he is proposing to reduce British Council activities in foreign countries; and what form the proposed reductions will take.

Mr. Godber

My right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his statement of 25th July said that he looked for a saving of 10 per cent. in the financial year 1962–63 in the cost of diplomatic and various administrative services overseas. While expenditure on information services and the British Council in foreign countries must be considered in the light of this statement, it is too early to say exactly what reductions will have to be made or how they will be found.