§ 27. Mr. HOLFORD KNIGHTasked the Postmaster-General whether further consideration has been given to the setting up of an inquiry directed to the preparation of the new charter of the British Broadcasting Corporation?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Sir Kingsley Wood)I can assure my hon. and learned Friend that I am not losing sight of this matter; but I am not at present in a position to make any further statement on the subject.
§ Mr. KNIGHTIn view of the accumulation of public considerations needing inquiry, may I ask my right hon. Friend not to lose more time than is necessary in setting up this inquiry?
29. Sir WILLIAM DAVISIONasked the Postmaster-General by what 15 statutory authority and under what circumstances have relay stations in connection with the British Broadcasting Corporation been forbidden to relay news from foreign stations which in any way refers to the holding or drawing of a national lottery in any foreign or Empire country; and whether he is aware that this news is available to all users of separate wireless receiving sets, the same licence fee being payable in both cases?
§ Sir K. WOODIt is one of the conditions under which owners of wireless exchanges are licensed to distribute broadcast programmes to their subscribers that they must observe any instruction received from the Postmaster-General requiring them to refrain from distributing any specific class of broadcast messages. As it is illegal in this country to publish the results of sweepstakes conducted in connection with horse races, notice has been given to the owners of wireless exchanges requiring them to refrain from distributing broadcast messages announcing these sweepstake results.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs my right hon. Friend aware that the same relay stations week by week give full particulars of the odds and betting on football pool competitions, and does he realise the great indignation that there is on the part of the public at this foolish discrimination between two classes of betting?
§ Sir K. WOODThe discrimination is not of my making.
§ Mr. LIDDALLIs my right hon. Friend aware that many Members of Parliament to-day do not know whether they have drawn a horse or not?
§ 30. Mr. H. WILLIAMSasked the Postmaster-General which broadcasting station caused the interference with the reception of wireless messages broadcast from Irish Free State stations on 26th March; and whether this action was taken with the knowledge and approval of His Majesty's Government?
§ Sir K. WOODThe answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIf I send my right hon. Friend particulars of a complaint 16 from a constituent, will he investigate it?
§ Sir K. WOOD indicated assent