HC Deb 07 May 1935 vol 301 c801
29. Lieut.-Colonel MOORE

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has prepared, or intends to prepare, any memorandum or report for submission to the Government or Parliament with regard to general or particular tendencies of the programmes of the British Broadcasting Corporation preparatory to setting up a committee or commission to revise the charter of the British Broadcasting Corporation; and whether he is satisfied that his present powers are adequate with regard to controversial broadcasts in general?

The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Sir Kingsley Wood)

As I stated in the House on 17th April, I have recently set up a committee to consider the broadcasting service in this country and I do not propose to institute any separate inquiry such as my hon. and gallant Friend suggests.

Lieut.-Colonel MOORE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, generally speaking the British Broadcasting Corporation programmes command the gratitude and full approval of the British public?

Sir K. WOOD

Yes, Sir.

30. Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOX

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the complaints made about the tendency of programmes of the British Broadcasting Corporation, he will suggest to the re-organisation committee now sitting the desirability of excluding all politics from broadcast programmes?

Sir K. WOOD

The question of the exclusion of political matter from broadcast programmes will doubtless be among the subjects to be considered by the Broadcasting Committee; and any representations my hon. friend desires to make on this matter should be addressed to the committee.

Sir A. KNOX

Would it be possible to obtain the views of the licence-holders whether they prefer good music or bad politics?