§ 60. Mr. Thurtleasked the Postmaster-General whether the text of the broadcast by the Archbishop of Canterbury on Sunday, 13th December, was submitted to the British Broadcasting Corporation authorities for approval before it was delivered?
§ The Postmaster-General (Major Tryon)No, Sir. I understand that when a broadcast is to be given of a religious service conducted by the head of a church in this country, it is not the practice of the British Broadcasting Corporation to ask for the text of his address to be submitted to them beforehand.
§ Mr. ThurtleIs the Postmaster-General aware that this address of the Archbishop was given as a religious service broadcast, and will he represent to the British Broadcasting authorities that it is altogether 28 deplorable that an occasion of that kind should be used for an outburst of spleen—
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member seems to be giving his opinion on this subject.
§ Mr. ThurtleOn a point of Order. I am merely asking the Postmaster-General, as representing the B.B.C. in this House, that he should represent to the B.B.C. authorities the undesirability of allowing episcopal spleen of this nature—
§ Mr. MaxtonWhat is wrong with that?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member is using epithets which are never allowed in this House.
§ Commander Locker-LampsonDoes not the Postmaster-General think that this criticism of the late King might have been made while he was on the Throne?
§ Sir John HaslamDoes not my right hon. and gallant Friend realise that the expression of views by the Archbishop enhanced his reputation in this country?