HC Deb 28 September 1939 vol 351 cc1490-4
Mr. Attlee

(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether he will state the grounds for making the recent changes in the control of the British Broadcasting Corporation?

The Prime Minister (Mr. Chamberlain)

The changes in the control of the British Broadcasting Corporation have been of two kinds. First, the powers held by the Postmaster-General under the existing Charter and Licence, other than powers relating to technical matters affecting wireless traffic, have been transferred to the Ministry of Information. This transfer does not alter in any way the relations between the Government and the cor- poration. The second change is the reduction of the number of governors, announced last night, from seven to two. This reduction was made in order to insure the smooth and swift operation of the broadcasting system under war conditions. Provision for such a change in numbers is contained in the Charter, and the change was made in accordance with an agreement reached between the Government and the Board of Governors before the outbreak of war. The new arrangements do not alter the structure or constitution of the corporation and the interests of listeners and accepted principles of broadcasting policy will be fully safeguarded. In respect of censorship and news, the corporation are in the same position as the Press.

I should like to add a word about the reference in last night's announcement to the transfer of powers in relation to programme matters, which, I understand, may have caused some concern. This refers only to the transfer to the Minister of the existing powers of the Postmaster-General under the licence granted by him with reference to such matters as the control of television services, etc. I can assure the House that my noble Friend has no desire and, indeed, no power to interfere with the discretion of the corporation in their choice of entertainment programmes.

Mr. Attlee

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that this House has always been very jealous of the position of the British Broadcasting Corporation and does desire that there should be a proper representation of general public opinion on the Board of Governors, and that there is very grave dissatisfaction at present with the B.B.C.? Is it not very undesirable that the more independent members of the board should have been removed and that, without casting any reflection on those remaining, they are, as a matter of fact, those with the most official outlook; and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a fear that in fact the B.B.C. have now become part of a bureaucratic machine at a time when it should be most closely in touch with public opinion?

The Prime Minister

I do realise the dangers of the British Broadcasting Corporation becoming too bureaucratic in its conduct, but I think the right hon. Gentleman and the House will appreciate that under war conditions it is frequently necessary to make very quick decisions, and the arrangement which has been made was made in agreement with the B.B.C. in order to ensure that it will be possible to take decisions swiftly and without undue delay.

Mr. Attlee

The question is not one between the Governors of the British Broadcasting Corporation and the Government, but between this House and the public and the Government, because it is the rights of the general public which are being signed away. May 1 ask why, in view of the fact that it requires 999 employes at the Ministry of Information, together with Advisory Committees, in order to deal with that Department, it is necessary to take away the only public contact we have with the B.B.C?

The Prime Minister

I have given the reason why.

Mr. Attlee

May I ask the Prime Minister whether he proposes to make any similar changes with regard to the Ministry of Information in order to get things done more quickly?

The Prime Minister

Perhaps in view of the last question I might make the following statement. The Minister of Information has called my attention to the question of his responsibility for news and has represented to me that his position in regard to it should be clarified. I wish, therefore, to state that his responsibility for news has not extended in any way whatever beyond the provision of means for its communication to the Press. His function has been simply to issue from a central source whatever news has been made available to him by other Departments of the Government. For this purpose there are special mechanical facilities available at the Ministry of Information which are, I am sure, of great advantage to the representatives of the Press. Further, my Noble Friend has informed me that in consultation with the Ministers concerned and with representatives of the Press, he is now engaged upon a review of the arrangements for the distribution of news, including the question of direct contacts between the Press and the Departments.

Sir P. Harris

Arising out of the Prime Minister's statement about the B.B.C, may I ask whether he realises the very general discontent because of the deterioration of the entertainment side of the programmes, although there is now only one broadcasting station? Will he see that some effort is made, now that the Government are more responsible, to revert at least to the standard of entertainment that existed before the war?

The Prime Minister

The hon. Member must realise that the conditions are very different from what they where. It is not possible in present circumstances to maintain quite the same standard as before the war. [Hon. Members: "Why?"] I am sure that the Governors of the Broadcasting Corporation will do their utmost to give the greatest possible variety.

Mr. Attlee

Will the Prime Minister be prepared to reconsider this decision to take away any of the Governors who are most likely to be in touch with the public?

The Prime Minister

We had perhaps better let the matter stand as it is for the lime being. If there is need for a revision of the arrangements, no doubt we can consider it further.

Mr. Attlee

I beg to give notice that on an early occasion I shall raise this matter, which is of vital importance to the nation.

Mr. McGovern

Can the Prime Minister inform the House whether there is any means of censoring or stopping such talks as took place last night at 9.20, in which Scottish children evacuees were described as lousy, and scurrilous remarks were made about people who were evacuated? It is a public scandal that such a thing should take place over the wireless? I will raise this matter on the Adjournment.

Mr. Bellenger

With regard to the Prime Minister's statement about the Ministry of Information, is it part of the functions of the Ministry, or of the Minister, or of high officials to attempt to interfere with the right of the Press or others to criticise that Department, and will the Prime Minister deprecate such action being taken by high officials in the Ministry?

The Prime Minister

There has never been any attempt to prevent criticism of the Department by the Press or anybody else.

Sir I. Albery

Are the remaining Governors of the Broadcasting Corporation giving whole-time service?

Mr. Speaker

Notice has been given of a Debate on this subject.