HC Deb 13 September 1939 vol 351 cc619-20
2. Mr. Dalton

asked the Prime Minister on what date, since the outbreak of war, the first broadcasts were made from the British Broadcasting Corporation in Polish, Czech, Serbo-Croat and Rumanian, respectively; and how frequently it is intended to broadcast in these languages in future?

The Lord Privy Seal (Sir Samuel Hoare)

I have been asked to reply. The first bulletin in Polish was broadcast on 7th September and in Czech on 8th September. No Serbo-Croat and Rumanian broadcasts have yet been made but arrangements for doing so are being made. The full schedule of bulletins provides for three a day in Polish and Czech and two a day in Serbo-Croat and Rumanian.

Mr. Dalton

Will the right hon. Gentleman represent to those responsible for the administration of the British Broadcasting Corporation that we look for something rather more effective than his answer indicates, in view of the importance of influencing opinion in these countries?

Sir S. Hoare

I would not accept the assumption in the hon. Gentleman's question, but I will certainly look into the matter.

16. Mr. John Morgan

asked the Lord Privy Seal, as representing the Minister of Information, whether he will consider issuing the individual names and addresses of captured German units as they occur for transmission in the British Broadcasting Corporation's German broadcasts, in order that the maximum interest in these broadcasts may be assured?

Sir S. Hoare

It has already been announced in the B.B.C.'s German broadcasts that arrangements have been made to publish in these broadcasts, as particulars become available, the names of German prisoners and also the names of dead and wounded whose identity is definitely established, for the benefit of friends and relatives.

Mr. Morgan

Would the Minister also think of including internees, as being a humanistic thing to do in regard to German subjects who may be disposed to think of us in that way?

Sir S. Hoare

I am not sure whether that would be wise or not, but I will convey the suggestion to my Noble Friend.