§ 47. Captain FRASERasked the Prime Minister if, in view of the fact that the Broadcasting Committee has reported, he is prepared to say what steps he proposes to take to determine the feasibility and desirability of permitting the broadcasting of certain specially chosen portions of the Parliamentary proceedings; and if it would be possible, as an experiment, to arrange for the broadcasting of the Budget Speech, or a portion thereof, and the considered replies, or portions thereof, of the spokesmen for the Opposition?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThis is obviously a matter on which Parliament should be consulted, and I am considering the best means of obtaining their views.
§ Captain FRASERDoes the right hon. Gentleman think it at all possible to secure any of the views in time to have 2287 the advantage of broadcasting the Budget, which appears to be an excellent opportunity for the experiment?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI could not answer that question. I propose to consult the leaders of the diffierent parties in the House as to what will be the best form to attain the object in view.
Captain A. EVANSIn view of the fact that the Committee set up by the Prime Minister have stated in their Report that they considered the broadcasting of Parliamentary proceedings did not come within the scope of their terms of reference, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of appointing a small Committee of this House to consider that point? [HON. MEMBERS: "No!"]