4. Mr. Booth byasked the Secretary of Slate for Foreign Affairs whether, in connection with the negotiations with other Governments as to broadcasting, His Majesty's Government have requested any foreign Governments to prohibit broadcasting in English; and, if so, for what reasons?
§ Mr. EdenHis Majesty's Government have never requested any foreign Government to prohibit the use of the English language in broadcasting. Representations have, however, been made regarding the broadcasting in English of programmes which infringed undertakings previously given to abstain from propaganda. Representations have also been made to foreign Governments at various times regarding the broadcasting in English of sponsored programmes. These latter representations have been made, in accordance with the recommendation of the Committee on Broadcasting accepted by His Majesty's Government,
that the responsible Departments should take all the steps which are within their power with a view to preventing the broadcasting from foreign stations of advertisement programmes intended for this country.
§ Mr. BoothbyDoes my right hon. Friend not think it rather unwarranted interference with the freedom and liberty of the subject to prevent them from listening to any broadcast in English, other than that from the British Broadcasting Corporation, provided that it is not propaganda?
§ Mr. EdenMy hon. Friend will appreciate that it is not a matter for me. All that we at the Foreign Office are concerned with is the question of propaganda by foreign Governments.
§ Mr. BoothbyI beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment.