§ 53. Captain BULLOCKasked the Prime Minister whether, on the occasion of public pronouncements of the first magnitude in the House of Commons on which there is general agreement, such as the speech by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on 26th March, he will consider arranging for the subsequent broadcasting by the British Broadcasting Corporation of such pronouncements for the information and guidance of the public?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe manner in which reports of Parliamentary proceedings are broadcast is a matter which lies within the discretion of the British Broadcasting Corporation; and no doubt a number of considerations, technical and otherwise, arise in each case. I think the corporation usually broadcast fairly full summaries of such pronouncements, but I am bringing my hon. Friend's question and this reply to the notice of the corporation.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs my right hon. Friend aware that grave apprehension exists among large numbers of the public as to what is the Government's policy in the matter of the Rhineland; and could he himself or the Foreign Secretary give a short broadcast to make 2415 it clear that the use of British troops would apply only to an unprovoked attack on French territory and not with regard to sending troops into the Rhineland itself?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIf I gave a short broadcast, and it was followed by other broadcasts, I think the mind of the public would be more confused than it is now.