asked the Secretary for Technical Co-operation what reduction he is now proposing in the overseas information expenditure.

asked the Secretary for Technical Co-operation what reductions in expenditure on Government information services overseas have lately been made or are contemplated; in which countries these services are to be reduced, either by actual cuts in expenditure or because extra funds are not being made available to meet rising costs; and why these services are now regarded by Her Majesty's Government as relatively unimportant.

In response to my right hon. and learned Friend's call last July for economies in expenditure overseas, I expect some £600,000 less will be provided next year for the information services at present authorised. The issue of risen costs remains to be decided. The importance we attach to these services is clearly shown by the 36 per cent. increase in the provision we have made for them during the last three years.