§ 20. Mr. G. Straussasked the Minister of Information whether he has considered the effect on listeners both here and in neutral countries of the broadcast of unconfirmed reports of the Norwegian conflict by the British Broadcasting Corporation and, in particular, of inaccurate news emanating from unauthoritative Swedish sources; and what steps he is taking to counteract this effect?
§ Sir J. ReithYes, Sir, though I should like to assure the hon. Member that it is the practice of the British Broadcasting Corporation to emphasise, where necessary, that particular reports are unconfirmed and should be treated with reserve. The effect of an inaccurate rumour can best be counteracted by the publication of an ample supply of truthful information, and this it is our constant endeavour to secure.
§ Mr. StraussIs the Minister aware that anything which is given out by the B.B.C. has, in the minds of most listeners, both here and abroad, some official sanction; does he appreciate the very serious effect of broadcasting inaccurate, optimistic news which is afterwards proved to be false, and will he see to it that this is not done in future?
§ Sir J. ReithI think I indicated to the hon. Gentleman that the B.B.C. do, in fact, when broadcasting a report which is not confirmed, indicate quite clearly that that is so. I am sure that the B.B.C. are fully alive to the dangers to which the hon. Member refers.
§ Mr. StraussShould not the B.B.C. go further and when any piece of particularly optimistic but unconfirmed news is about to be broadcast, first ask the Service 682 Departments whether the news is true or not, so that if it is untrue it shall not be broadcast at all?
§ Sir J. ReithI should like to assure hon. Members that the B.B.C. are at great pains to secure confirmation or otherwise of news before it is broadcast.
§ Sir Herbert WilliamsWhy do the B.B.C. tell me at nine o'clock what I have read in the morning newspaper?