HC Deb 11 July 1938 vol 338 cc917-8
52. Mr. De la Bére

asked the Postmaster-General under what authority a Member of Parliament, appointed a governor of the British Broadcasting Corporation, is unable to accept the post as long as he remains a Member of Parliament?

Sir W. Womersley

I am advised that a governorship of the British Broadcasting Corporation is an office of profit held under the Crown, the holding or acceptance of which necessitates the vacation of his seat in Parliament by a Member of the House of Commons pursuant to Sections 24 and 25 of the Succession to Crown Act, 1707.

Mr. De la Bére

Is my hon. Friend aware that it would not be possible for a Member of the House of Commons to be a governor unpaid, and will he give this matter his serious consideration?

Sir W. Womersley

The only system at the present moment of appointing unpaid persons is on the advisory committees of the British Broadcasting Corporation. There is no regulation against a Member of Parliament being so appointed, but I cannot hold out any hope that the hon. Member for Evesham (Mr. De la Bére) will be appointed.

Mr. De la Bére

Is my hon. Friend aware that the hon. Member for Evesham is not seeking any appointment of that nature?