§ 70. Mr. Mathersasked the Minister of Information what steps he has taken to prevent a repetition of the broadcasting by a member of the Brains Trust of an alleged Confucian aphorism which caused disgust to many listeners because of its improper nature; and whether he will give instructions which will prevent the recurrence of such an incident?
§ Mr. BrackenThis is a matter of taste which lies in the hands of the Governors of the B.B.C. They will no doubt take note of the hon. Member's view.
§ Mr. MathersWas it not possible for this offensive reference to be cut out at least of the repetition of that Brains Trust broadcast, and may I ask if this was an attempt by Professor Joad to justify the high salary he is getting by becoming a comedian and qualifying for an even larger salary?
§ Mr. BrackenIt may have been possible to cut out this joke, but I must tell the hon. Member once again that I will not interfere with the Governors of the B.B.C. in arranging their entertainments. The House really must stand by the Ministry in this attitude. I will not be a censor of taste in any way.