HC Deb 04 August 1943 vol 391 cc2288-9
43. Mr. Shinwell

asked 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. Brackén

Invitations 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. Shinwell

Will 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. Bracken

A 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. Shinwell

On 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. Bracken

The 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. Thorne

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the most popular speaker in the broadcasts is the Prime Minister?

Mr. Bracken

I have heard that suggestion before.