§ 33. Sir Irving Alberyasked the Minister of Information whether the usual peacetime direction of the British Broadcasting Corporation is now controlling necessary war time activities or whether a special directorate has been set up for this purpose with adequate powers?
Mr. CooperNo special directorate for the control of war time activities has been set up, but the constitution of the B.B.C. had undergone some radical changes since the outbreak of war.
§ Sir I. AlberyDoes my right hon. Friend personally take full responsibility for foreign propaganda by the British 1693 Broadcasting Corporation, and is he convinced that he has sufficient powers and facilities to carry that out?
Mr. CooperI am responsible for the political statements, news-bulletins and talks sent out by the British Broadcasting Corporation at the present time, and I am inquiring into steps that might be taken with regard to improving this service.
§ Sir I. AlberyMy right hon. Friend has enumerated a few things for which he is responsible, but is he responsible also for the things which are not taking place, but which should take place?
§ Mr. GranvilleWill my right hon. Friend continue the old practice of including distinguished Members of all parties in this House in the programme of talks of the B.B.C.?