HC Deb 22 December 1927 vol 212 cc598-600W
Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the Postmaster-General whether it is the policy of his Department that the words in the charter of the British Broadcasting Corporation prohibiting the broadcasting of politically controversial matter should be extended to works of literature dealing imaginatively with industrial life; whether in so interpreting those provisions the corporation has acted in consultation with his Department or as a result of directions from his Department and whether he can see his way to attain what is desired without the imposition of a literary censorship foreign to the traditions of this country and harmful to the development of broadcasting?

Viscount WOLMER

Under the terms of the licence granted to the British Broadcasting Corporation a notice has been served on the Corporation directing them to refrain from broadcasting (a) statements expressing the opinion of the Corporation on matters of public policy, and (b) speeches or lectures containing statements on topics of political, religious or industrial controversy. It is left to the discretion of the Corporation to carry out these instructions.