§ 47. Mr. G. Straussasked the Prime Minister whether he has considered the representations that have been made to him in regard to the political prejudice of the Albert Hall Council in refusing lettings of that building for public meetings; and, if so, will His Majesty's Government introduce legislation to stop this ban on free speech?
§ The Prime MinisterThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I had two communications. I would, however, remind the hon. Member that the Corporation, though incorporated by Royal Charter, is entirely independent of the Government, and there is no power to interfere with its discretion in the matter of letting the building. I do not consider that it would be at all desirable to confer upon a Government Department any such power, and I should not be prepared to suggest that legislation be introduced with that object.
§ Mr. StraussIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.