§ 43. Mr. Shinwellasked the Minister of Information whether he will consider inviting political pressmen, who are in attendance in the House, to broadcast in "The Week in Westminster" series, so as to furnish an objective survey?
Mr. BrackénInvitations to broadcast in "The Week in Westminster" are issued by the B.B.C. themselves. They have already on one or two occasions invited political correspondents to broadcast in this series, but I will bring the hon. Member's suggestion to their notice.
§ Mr. ShinwellWill my right hon. Friend reinforce this plea in the strongest terms? Is he not aware that some of the, broadcasts that we have had have been most incompetent and not at all objective, merely expressing hon. Member's personal views? Is it not better to put this matter into the hands of competent journalists who understand how to put it across?
§ Mr. BrackenA competent journalist is not necessarily a good broadcaster, and, secondly, I am not going in any way to interfere with the speakers in "The Week in Westminster" If I did, hon. Members would say, "Why was I not asked to speak?" No, Sir, I will leave that matter with the Governors of the B.B.C., who enjoy a most opulent income for doing that very work.
§ Mr. ShinwellOn what basis are hon. Members selected? Have they to satisfy the Governors of the B.B.C. that they are competent, or is some kind of personal influence at work?
§ Mr. BrackenThe Governors of the B.B.C., being democrats, believe that if a mart is elected to Parliament he is capable of making a speech on the radio.
§ Mr. ThorneIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the most popular speaker in the broadcasts is the Prime Minister?
§ Mr. BrackenI have heard that suggestion before.