HC Deb 15 July 1931 vol 255 cc450-1
45. Mr. MARJORIBANKS

asked the Prime Minister whether, for the improvement of international pacific relations, he will consider the broad- casting from Rugby of lectures on England by eminent British subjects in foreign languages?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)

The suggestion of the hon. Member does not commend itself to me. So far as it is a feature in broadcasting, the matter rests with the British Broadcasting Corporation; so far as it is an effort in propaganda, it does not seem to me to have any value.

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

As a sincere lover of world peace, does not the Prime Minister see the immense possibility which broadcasting might have in this particular matter, and would it not attract to this country scientists and professors whom he loves so much?

Captain CROOKSHANK

Is it not a fact that the right hon. Gentleman is constantly broadcasting to the United States; does he do that in English or not?

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

Could it be described as propaganda?