§ Mr. THURTLE(by Private Notice) asked the Postmaster-General if an official communication was made to his Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury prior to the broadcasting of his sermon on Sunday evening last, to the effect that if he included in that sermon the terms of peace which he had suggested on behalf of the United Churches, his sermon could not be broadcast?
§ The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Viscount Wolmer)I only received notice of the hon. Member's question five minutes ago, on entering the House. I have no information as to any such communication. The House is aware that all broadcasters submit a précis of 804 the words they are going to broadcast. That is probably what the hon. Member has in mind.
§ Mr. B. SMITHIs the noble Lord aware that on the wireless it was stated that this speech won[...]d be made by the. Archbishop of Canterbury at 9 o'clock at night, and it was not so made? Are we to presume that, prior to giving the public that information, a précis of his speech had been submitted?
§ Viscount WOLMERThe hon. Member is mistaken. The Archbishop's sermon was broadcast.
§ Mr. THURTLEIn view of the shortness of time which the noble Lord has had in which to answer the question, will he be good enough to make inquiries and let me know to-morrow what is the reply?
Captain ARTHUR EVANSWill the noble Lord tell the House that it is a fact that the recommendations of the church body were broadcast at one o'clock to-day by wireless?
§ Viscount WOLMERThat is so.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the Prime Minister aware that the Chancellor of the Exchequer yesterday undertook that the "British Gazette" should contain those peace terms, if he could do it? As the latest cricket scores at 6 o'clock last night were published in the "Gazette" to-day, why does it not contain this information
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)I am afraid I am not aware of that.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs the Prime Minister aware that in the House yesterday the Chancellor of the Exchequer made a definite statement that the Archbishop's terms would be printed? [HON. MEMBERS: "No!"] he made a definite promise. [HON. MEMBERS: "No!"] Then I would like to refer to the verbatim shorthand note which was taken.
§ Mr. WALLHEADWill the Ministers tell us of what they are informed, so that we may know how to frame our questions?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThere is necessarily some delay in communications.
§ Sir JOSEPH NALLMay I ask the Prime Minister whether the Government will not attach undue importance to the opinions of irresponsible bodies, however eminent the authors may be?
§ Mr. WALLHEADTell that to the Bishop of Manchester.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSMay I ask the Prime Minister whether he agrees with the statement just made by one of his back-benchers? Will he tell the House whether or not he agrees or disagrees with the substance of the communication of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYOn a point of Order. Is it in order to
§ describe members of another place, Spiritual Peers, as "irresponsible persons"?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI am not prepared to give a definition of "irresponsible."