§ 40 and 41. Sir WALDRON SMITHERSasked the Postmaster-General (1) what 321 procedure is being adopted by the Broadcasting Committee in preparation for the new charter; are the proceedings of the Committee public; will the evidence be made public; and will representatives of organised associations be allowed to give evidence so that all points of view may be taken into consideration before a final decision is reached; and whether all memoranda and minutes are forwarded to the British Broadcasting Corporation for their observations, and will these be made public;
(2) how many meetings the Broadcasting Committee have held; when it is expected their report will be available; and will the minutes and evidence be made public?
§ The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Sir Ernest Bennett)Persons and organisations desiring to submit evidence or representations to the Broadcasting Committee were invited to do so not later than the 31st of May last. The Committee has held 19 meetings up to the present. These meetings are not open to the public nor will the minutes and evidence be made public. It is not the case that the Committee forwards al memoranda and minutes to the British Broadcasting Corporation; but if it desires to obtain the Corporation's reply to any criticisms or suggestions it is within its discretion to do so. The proceedings of the Committee have now reached an advanced stage, but I am not yet in a position to say when its report will be available.
§ Sir W. SMITHERSWill the hon. Gentleman ask the Postmaster-General to use all his power to ensure that as much publicity as possible is given to this evidence and that all points of view will be fully considered before the Committee presents a report?
§ Sir E. BENNETTI believe that all points of view have been considered fairly and squarely.
§ Sir W. SMITHERSThat is not my information.
§ Sir E. BENNETTAs to the other point, the proceedings are being treated as confidential with the intention of giving as much freedom as possible to the witnesses in the expression of their opinions.
§ 46. Sir W. SMITHERSasked the Prime Minister whether an opportunity will be given to discuss the report of the Broadcasting Committee in the House of Commons before a final decision is taken by the Government as to the terms of the new charter?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)Perhaps my hon. Friend will repeat his question when the report of the Committee bas been received.
§ Sir W. SMITHERSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the point of my question is the desirability of having a statement before the report is issued?