§ 45. Captain FRASERasked the Prime Minister if, in view of the raising of the ban on the broadcasting of controversial matter, the Government will set up a 1137 Select Committee of both Houses to consider whether any parts of the proceedings of the Houses of Parliament should be broadcast?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIn 1926, after consulting the Leaders of the other parties and obtaining information through the usual channels, I came to the conclusion that there was a greatly preponderating body of opinion against broadcasting the proceedings of this House. I do not think there has been any substantial change of opinion since then, and in these circumstances I do not propose to set up a Committee such as my hon. and gallant Friend suggests.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAWould not this Committee be better able to ascertain the proper views on the subject?
§ Sir WILLIAM DAVISONIs it not a fact that the House of Commons is a deliberative assembly and not a public meeting?