§ 36. Mr. HALESasked the Postmaster-General if he will use his powers under the charter and licence to ensure that in talks broadcast by the British Broadcasting Corporation no bad language shall be used in future that may cause offence to listeners?
§ The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER -GENERAL (Sir Ernest Bennett)The responsibility for deciding on the nature of the language used in broadcast talks 1755 rests with the British Broadcasting Corporation, and my right hon. Friend does not propose to interfere with the Governors' discretion in this matter.
§ Mr. HALESConsidering the many protests against the use of a certain word on a recent occasion—[HON. MEMBERS : "What is the word?"] Unfortunately, it is not a Parliamentary expression. In view of those protests, will the hon. Gentleman see that in future supervision is exercised over the language used in these widespread broadcasts?
§ Mr. BURNETTWould it not be possible to arrange for a list of forbidden expletives to be posted in the studio?
§ Mr. LAWSONAs most of us, being tied to the House, did not hear this broadcast, will the hon. Gentleman tell us the word to which objection is taken?
§ Captain CUNNINGHAM-REIDIs it not the case that the British Broadcasting Corporation should be congratulated on the fact that, over a very long period, this is the first occasion on which any such criticism could be made?