HC Deb 04 November 1943 vol 393 cc854-5
46. Sir L. Lyle

asked the Prime Minister when the Committee of Ministers set up to study and report upon Basic English are expected to reach their conclusions?

The Prime Minister

I hope to receive the recommendations of this Committee before very long.

Sir L. Lyle

When we do get this Report will the B.B.C. be asked to adopt it, or will they still continue to use Basic B.B.C.?

The Prime Minister

Basic English is not intended for use among English-speaking people but to enable a much larger body of people who do not have the good fortune to know the English language to participate more easily in our society.

Mr. Gallacher

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider introducing Basic Scottish?

Mr. Wedderburn

Does Basic English include the word "triphibious"?

The Prime Minister

I have tried to explain that people are quite purblind who discuss this matter as if Basic English were a substitute for the English language.