§ 45. Mr. E. Smithasked the Prime Minister whether he will consult the British Broadcasting Corporation for the purpose of considering what arrangements can be made to enable the proceedings of the House of Commons to be broadcast, especially during the following times: 3 p.m. to 3.45 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, between 6 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, and on Mondays and Thursdays between the hours of 9 p.m. and 11 p.m.?
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Chamberlain)No, Sir. I cannot see my way to adopting the hon. Member's suggestion. I have made inquiries, and I have ascertained that the broadcasting of the proceedings of this House would not commend itself to any considerable section of the House.
§ Mr. SmithIs the Prime Minister aware that in a country where they have a real people's Government, namely, in New Zealand, they have already adopted this policy; and will he consider that, if we are living in a real state of democracy, the people of this country are dependent for news of the proceedings of this House upon newspapers owned and controlled by two Lords in this country?
Mr. DavidsonIf the Prime Minister cannot accede to this request, will he agree to arrange for television in this House at 8 o'clock on any night in the week?