HC Deb 10 April 1941 vol 370 cc1696-7
79. Mr. R. Gibson

asked the Minister of Information how many Presbyterian services were broadcast by the British Broadcasting Corporation during each of the months of January, February and March, 1941; whether he is aware that many workers in Scotland are employed on necessary duties of national importance on Sundays during the hours of divine service; whether he has considered representations on the subject transmitted to him by the hon. Member for Greenock; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information (Mr. Harold Nicolson)

Five Presbyterian services were broadcast during January, 1941, one during February and two during March. The time available for religious broadcasting is allocated by the British Broadcasting Corporation to the various religious denominations on a regular basis approved by the Central Religious Advisory Committee, while religious broadcasts are fixed at the hours found most convenient to the public in general. Accordingly my right hon. Friend sees no reason to ask the Corporation to change the existing arrangements.

Mr. Gibson

Will the hon. Gentleman answer the penultimate part of my Question? Has he considered the representations I have transmitted to him dealing with the particular question of the men who are working during the hours of divine service?

Mr. Nicolson

My right hon. Friend is giving it very careful consideration.