HC Deb 03 June 1942 vol 380 cc658-9
32. Captain Alan Graham

asked the Minister of Information whether, in view of the number of older British subjects available, possessed of special training as well as great knowledge and experience of the Near and Middle East and other regions, he will comb out of the British Broadcasting Corporation those younger men of military age already employed there who have little or no special knowledge of the languages or experience of the countries actually concerned?

The Minister of Information (Mr. Brendan Bracken)

My hon. and gallant Friend must surely be aware that all such questions of deferment and reservation are decided by Lord Rennet's Committee. The B.B.C. have applied for the deferment only of those members of their specialist staff for whom no substitutes possessing suitable qualifications can be found.

Viscountess Astor

Is it really wise to get anybody to speak about the East who has never been East? It seems to me most dangerous.

Captain Plugge

Will the Minister bear in mind that broadcasting is a young science and that many departments of the B.B.C. can only be efficiently run by employing men of the younger generation?

Mr. Bracken

I think that my hon. and gallant Friend is right.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister aware that there are two young men whom I could recommend who have been put out of the Army because of their ability to make propaganda?