asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the inter-Departmental Committee on Overseas Information Services will present its report; and whether the report will be published.

The inter-Departmental Committee has started work; but I am unable to say yet when it will present its report. The House will of course be informed of its recommendations.

Would my right hon. Friend tell me if the terms of reference include, in particular, a strategic overall plan for information services, and would he give an assurance that the authorities really do regard information services as a basic part of our defence effort?

I think my hon. Friend can take it that his suggestions will be covered.