§ 70. Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Postmaster-General whether the broadcasts to Germany and Italy by the British Broadcasting Corporation are to be continued; and whether he has any statement to make regarding an extension of such broadcasts to include other and, if so, what languages?
§ The Postmaster-General (Major Tryon)It is proposed to continue for the present the broadcast news bulletins in French, German and Italian which were recently introduced. In addition, news bulletins have been broadcast for some months past in Spanish and Portuguese for South America, and in Arabic. There is no present intention of adding other languages.
§ Captain Sir William BrassMay I ask whether these broadcasts are given by natives of the country to which the broadcast is sent?
§ Major TryonNot necessarily.
§ Mr. Lees-SmithWill the Postmaster-General bear in mind that a good many of the comments sent to Italy and Germany are so sparse and scrappy that they really give little information of what is happening in this country?
Viscountess AstorIs it not true that the broadcasts to Germany have done a great deal, but that we must give them on a wave-length which will reach the smaller sets of the poorer people in Germany?
§ Major TryonThese matters fall within the responsibility of the Governors of the British Broadcasting Corporation and I shall be happy to convey to them the views of hon. Members.