§ 32. Mr. FLEMINGasked the Postmaster-General whether he is in 856 possession of fuller details of the expenditure incurred by the British Broadcasting Corporation than is contained in the last annual report submitted to him by that body?
§ Sir K. WOODThe answer is in the negative.
§ Mr. HOLFORD KNIGHTDoes the right hon. Gentleman consider it to be unnecessary to use his power under the Charter to make a further investigation of all the documents?
§ Sir K. WOODYes, Sir; I see no necessity for it.
§ 35. Mr. FLEMINGasked the Post-master-General whether he will consider instituting an inquiry into the general administration of the British Broadcasting Corporation before the renewal of the corporation's charter; and whether, in view of the considerable time that such an inquiry would take, he will make an immediate announcement on the matter?
§ Sir K. WOODAs the Charter granted to the British Broadcasting Corporation has nearly three years to run, it would, in my opinion, be premature at the present time to consider the appointment of a committee of inquiry such as my hon. Friend has in mind.
§ Mr. SMITHERSWould it not be a good thing to take the time by the forelock and appoint a Select Committee now to make the necessary inquiries?
§ Sir K. WOODNo. That matter was considered by the House of Commons, I think, in February last year, and only 27 Members voted for the proposal.
§ Mr. KNIGHTHas the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the various criticisms and comments throughout the Press on these matters and does he not consider—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a matter of opinion.