HC Deb 17 May 1934 vol 289 cc1949-51
61. Mr. BURNETT (for Mr. THOMAS COOK)

asked the Postmaster-General if, in view of the fact that the recent broadcast talks by workless people were both incomplete and misleading, he will use his powers under the charter to prevent talks on such subjects in future unless more satisfactory arrangements for censorship are made?

Mr. LAWSON

On a point of Order. May I draw your attention, Mr. Speaker, to the nature of this question? The question contains allegations concerning the statements of two workless people through the British Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday last. Those people have written to Members of this House stating that their statements are absolutely true. The British Broadcasting Corporation is, I understand, responsible for these statements. May I ask you if it is right that this question should be on the Order Paper, making these allegations against people who cannot be here in this House to answer for themselves?

Mr. SPEAKER

I think the responsibility for this rests on the British Broadcasting Corporation.

Sir K. WOOD

I will bring my hon. Friend's observations to the notice of the Governors of the British Broadcasting Corporation; but I desire to maintain the position of the Governors as set out in the Charter and the Licence of the Corporation, and in accordance with the terms of the resolution which was approved by a large majority of this House on the 22nd February, 1933.

Mr. BURNETT

In view of the highly conflicting nature of the statements which have been made about this case, is it not desirable in such cases that care should be taken to verify the facts beforehand?

Mr. LAWSON

May I ask the Postmaster-General whether, in answering for the British Broadcasting Corporation, he does not think it his duty to protect people who are willing to make these statements, and whose statements have been verified?

Sir K. WOOD

I must draw the hon. Member's attention to the charter and licence of the Corporation, in which the respective duties of myself and the-Corporation are defined.

Mr. LAWSON

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask supporters of the Government of which he is a Member not to make charges against people who cannot defend themselves?