HC Deb 20 October 1932 vol 269 cc321-2
59. Sir C. RAWSON

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been drawn to a recent broadcast by the British Broadcasting Corporation of a sketch on telephonists working in an exchange, which is considered offensive to telephone operators and resented not only by them but by many subscribers; and whether any representations have been made on the subject to the British Broadcasting Corporation?

The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Sir Kingsley Wood)

I received a communication on this matter from the Union of Post Office Workers which I duly forwarded to the British Broadcasting Corporation. The Corporation have informed me that no offence of any kind was intended, and that the programme was a light entertainment including a certain amount of parody or burlesque. I personally think the public estimation of telephone operators is so high that it would not be affected by a matter of this kind, and, while I fully appreciate the feelings of the operators, I think, having drawn the attention of the Corporation to the matter and knowing their desire at all times to avoid any public offence, the incident might now well be regarded as closed.

Mr. MAXTON

May I ask if in future we shall be permitted to ask questions in this House about details of broadcasting programmes? Up to date that has not been permissible.

Mr. SPEAKER

I do not think that the question which has just been asked and answered would lead one to suppose that any questions as to the details of broadcasting have been allowed to be asked. This question is quite another matter. It is a matter that has entirely to do with the Postmaster-General.