§ 25. Mr. Viantasked the Minister of Information whether he is now in a position to state whether the ex-Director-General of the British Broadcasting Corporation, Mr. Ogilvie, resigned voluntarily; or was his resignation compulsory owing to the scheme of reorganisation?
§ Mr. BrackenYes, Sir. I am informed that the Governors of the R.B.C. have for some time past been concerned with regard to the executive control of the organisation. For this reason, they appointed Mr. Robert Foot, some three months ago, as general adviser. Mr. Foot has had important business administrative and organising experience. The Governors discussed these matters fully and came to the unanimous conclusion that the chief executive control of the Corporation under wartime conditions, with the great growth of the organisation and the complexity of the administrative and financial problems arising daily, in addition to those relating to the general programme policy and output, called for different qualities and experience from those suited for peacetime. They felt that the circumstances of to-day were completely different from those which existed at the time of Mr. Ogilvie's appointment in 1938. Their views were conveyed to Mr. Ogilvie, with the result that he 1511 placed his resignation in the hands of the Governors. It was accepted and announced in terms agreed with Mr. Ogilvie.
§ Mr. Kenneth LindsayWould it be true to say then, that the resignation was on a point of principle, as to the constitutional relations between the Director-General and the governing body?
§ Mr. BrackenNo, Sir. If the hon. Member will read my answer I do not think that he will see that there was any point of constitutional principle.
§ Major LyonsIs it the fact that Mr. Ogilvie was asked to resign?
§ Mr. BrackenI have given the House the explanation of the Governors of the B.B.C.
§ Mr. StephenWhat were the special qualifications possessed by Mr. Foot which were not possessed by Mr. Ogilvie?
§ Mr. BrackenAs I understand it, Mr. Foot has been for nearly 20 years the general manager of one of the most important companies in this country.
§ Mr. ViantAre we to take it for granted then, that the new administration, made necessary as the result of the reorganisation, was a task for which Mr. Ogilvie was not suitable?
§ Mr. SpeakerIt was replied to.
Miss RathboneI did not have any opportunity of asking a Supplementary Question because the Question was taken in the wrong order.
§ Mr. SpeakerIt is not necessary to ask a Supplementary Question.
§ Sir Percy HarrisIf a Question is answered in the wrong place—
§ Mr. SpeakerMr. Wootton-Davies.