§ 57. Mr. J. HUDSONasked the Postmaster-General if it was by his permission that the broadcast talk by Sir Arthur Lawley on Empire trade was given on the 11th instant; whether the manuscript of the talk was passed by him; whether he is aware that the talk advocated a policy about which there are acute differences of opinion among political parties, traders, farmers and economists, and that it was controversial and partisan; why, in view of the ban laid upon the Broadcasting Corporation not to broadcast political, economic and religious topics, this talk was permitted; and will he permit some responsible organisation to broadcast the other side of the question of overseas trade?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThe British Broadcasting Corporation did not consult me about this talk; and it is my desire to interfere as little as possible with the Corporation's responsibility in deciding whether a talk should or should not be excluded on the ground that it is of a political or controversial character. I have, however, now read a copy of the talk in question, which dealt with certain aspects of Empire settlement and Empire marketing, and I see no ground for objecting to it. The question whether a further talk should be given on other aspects of the subject is a matter for the British Broadcasting Corporation.
§ Mr. HUDSONMay we take it that the right hon. Gentleman, now that he has read the manuscript of the talk, would be prepared to recommend to the British Broadcasting Corporation that they ought to consider a talk from the other point of view?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI do not desire to put myself in the position of making recommendations to the British Broadcasting Corporation. The responsibility is theirs.