§ 46. Mr. Lees-Smithasked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement regarding the chairmanship of the British Broadcasting Corporation?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. Mr. R. C. Norman completed his normal period of five years' service on the Board of Governors of the British Broadcasting Corporation on 31st December, 1937, but consented to place his valuable services and experience at the disposal of the Government for a further period with a view to ensuring continuity of policy at a time when important developments were in progress. He has now asked to be relieved of his post as Chairman and Governor on 18th April next. The King has been pleased to approve the appointment of Sir Allan Powell as Chairman and Governor for a period of five years from 19th April.
§ Mr. Lees-SmithIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this gentleman is a member of the Import Duties Advisory Committee, which is a full-time position, and do I understand that he will resign that position on taking up these new-duties?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir.
§ Mr. MaxtonWill the Prime Minister give the House some idea of what this gentleman' s qualifications are for this responsible position?
§ The Prime MinisterWe have considered a great number of names, and we think this gentleman is eminently suitable for the position.
§ Sir Percy HarrisCan we have his qualifications? It is a matter of importance to the whole of Great Britain and to the vast number of listeners, and we should like to know what are his particular qualifications.
§ The Prime MinisterI can give the hon. Baronet these particulars, which I think are to be found in any book of reference: Member of the Import Duties Advisory Committee since 1932; Barrister-at-Law, Gray's Inn; Resident Officer-in-Charge during European War of the Government war refugees camp, Earl' s Court, with 4,000 beds for soldiers and civilians of allied nationalities; clerk to the Metropolitan Asylums Board, 1922 –30; organised new Department of Public Assistance for the London County Council, 1930 –32; vice-chairman of the Food Council and chairman of its executive committee, 1925 –29; chairman of the Food Council, 1929 –32; mayor of the Royal Borough of Kensington, 1937–38.
§ Mr. MaxtonWill the Prime Minister tell us which of these bits of experience qualify this gentleman to arrange variety programmes?
§ The Prime MinisterI should not like to rely upon any specific period of service of Sir Allan Powell, but it will be seen from the record which I have read out that he has had a long experience of public life, and there has been plenty of opportunity for the public to realise that he is an extremely efficient administrator.
§ Mr. H. G. WilliamsIs it not common knowledge that he is a most human being?