§ 65. Mr. Lyonsasked the Postmaster-General whether any, and what, modifications of licence have yet been applied for in pursuance of Section 3 (b) of the 1937 Charter of the British Broadcasting Corporation?
§ Major TryonNo modification of the licence granted to the British Broadcasting Corporation on 1st January, 1937, has been applied for.
§ 67. Mr. Sorensenasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the tendency to propagandist laudation of Italian Fascism in recent British Broadcasting Corporation's programmes; and whether any steps are being taken to avoid such political bias in broadcast talks, especially those to children?
§ Major TryonOn the question of impartiality I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Members for South Paddington (Vice-Admiral Taylor) and my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Cleveland (Commander Bower) on 15th February. With regard to the second part of the question, the 1638 responsibility rests with the Governors, and as I stated on that occasion I am always careful to convey to them any representations affecting the British Broadcasting Corporation which are addressed to me by Members of this House.
§ Mr. SorensenIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that last Friday week, in a broadcast for children, it was definitely stated that there were no social services in Italy until Mussolini came into power, and that only since his accession to office have there been social services; and in view of that error, will he not communicate with the B.B.C.?
§ Major TryonIf the hon. Gentleman will send me particulars, I shall be happy to represent them to the B.B.C., but I must ask him to give proof of his statement.
§ Commander BowerIs it not time that the B.B.C. devoted a little time and attention to lauding our own system of government instead of aping W. S. Gilbert's gentleman:
…who praises with enthusiastic tone All centuries but this, and every country but his own"?