§ 66. Mr. BAKERasked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the statement of the Chairman of the British Broadcasting Company, at its first annual general meeting, that he hoped to secure certain additional privileges in respect of broadcasting news; and, seeing that the present service is very inadequate, through no fault of the company, he will use his influence to secure the additional facilities which are required?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Hartshorn)The company have been in negotiation with the Press and have agreed upon a scheme under which they would obtain certain additional facilities. The draft agreement has been considered by the Broadcasting Board, who have recommended that it be concluded, and have expressed the view that, if it is carried out by the parties in a spirit of mutual accommodation, it should afford a satisfactory solution of the problem. I am informing the Company that I see no objection to the conclusion of the agreement, subject to a provision that it shall not prevent them from complying with any instructions given to them by the 1124 Postmaster-General in regard to the broadcasting of news.
§ Sir FREDRIC WISEWill the agreement be placed before Parliament?
§ Mr. HARTSHORNIt will not be laid before Parliament.