HC Deb 12 February 1934 vol 285 cc1577-9
26. Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will take steps to ensure that broadcasts on foreign affairs are not out of keeping with His Majesty's Government's policy for the promotion of peace?

Sir K. WOOD

The adoption of this suggestion would be out of harmony with the Resolution concerning the broadcasting service which was approved by a large majority of this House on 22nd of February, 1933.

28. Mr. BOOTHBY

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to two recent speeches broadcast by Mr. Vernon Bartlett on the subject of German affairs; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

Sir K. WOOD

I have not received any communications with reference to the two speeches in question, and so far as I am aware no complaints have been made to the Post Office in the matter.

Brigadier-General SPEARS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that last Saturday week a deserter from the Foreign Legion broadcast, and does he think that is calculated to make for good understanding?

Mr. SPEAKER

This is a question with regard to Mr. Vernon Bartlett.

Mr. HANNON

On a point of Order. Is there any means by which in this House we can ask a reasonable question with regard to the operations of the British Broadcasting Corporation? So many questions arise from time to time in which this House is interested, and we are debarred from asking questions on these points because of the peculiar constitution of the corporation.

Mr. SPEAKER

The question on the Paper has been answered by the Postmaster-General, but the hon. and gallant Member who asked the supplementary question referred to something that was not mentioned in the question.

Mr. HANNON

Would you be so kind, Mr. Speaker, as to indicate to the House on what occasions and in what circumstances they could raise questions respecting the operations of the British Broadcasting Corporation?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must exercise his ingenuity.

Mr. BOOTHBY

Will my right hon. Friend look into these two questions with a view to taking some action?

Sir K. WOOD

No. These two speeches have already been made, and it is therefore somewhat difficult for me now to take action. I may say that I recognise that Mr. Vernon Bartlett has a difficult task, but his contract with the British Broadcasting Corporation will shortly be concluded.

Mr. THORNE

When people are broadcasting, do they have to submit their manuscript to the management of the corporation?

Sir K. WOOD

Yes. I believe that that is the practice.

Mr. GODFREY NICHOLSON

In what my right hon. Friend has said, does he imply any censure on Mr. Vernon Bartlett?

Sir K. WOOD

No.

Mr. NICHOLSON

It seemed to me that he did.

Sir K. WOOD

No. I expressly said that Mr. Bartlett's task is a difficult one, but, inasmuch as Mr. Bartlett, I understand, has taken up another position, I think it is for that reason that the contract has been concluded.

Mr. MAXTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman arrange for the hon. Member for East Aberdeen (Mr. Boothby) to have an evening on the wireless to enable him to express his opinion of Mr. Vernon Bartlett?

Sir K. WOOD

I must have regard to the law of slander and libel.

Mr. BOOTHBY

On a point of Order. I think I am entitled to ask the Postmaster-General to withdraw his remark. I never intended to slander either Mr. Bartlett or anybody else.

Miss RATHBONE

Will Mr. Vernon Bartlett's place be taken by someone who can give information to the public on foreign affairs, because there is no doubt that his talks have been greatly appreciated?