HC Deb 06 March 1978 vol 945 cc490-1W
Mr. Geoffrey Johnson Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to reduce the activities of the British Information Services in the United States of America.

Mr. Luard

My right hon. Friend has been reviewing the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's information staffing overseas in the light of the CPRS review of overseas representation. The possibility of making economies in the United States of America is being considered in this context.

Mr. Geoffrey Johnson Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the strength of British information officers in the United States of America; and how many are locally employed; and in what cities they are deployed.

Mr. Luard

At present in the United States of America 93 people are engaged in information work. Of these 82 are locally employed staff. They are deployed in the following cities: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, St. Louis, San Francisco and Washington.