HC Deb 24 February 1943 vol 387 cc166-7
61. Mr. Granville

asked the Minister of Information whether the speakers in the series of broadcasts known as "The Week in Westminster" are selected by his Department or by the British Broadcasting Corporation; whether they are invited for their broadcasting ability and as representative of Parliament as a whole, or whether his Department insists upon party representation in the proportion of parties in the House of Commons; and, if so, from which parties and in what proportion the future list will be made up?

Mr. Bracken

The B.B.C. make their own selection and naturally pay due attention to broadcasting ability. With regard to the latter part of the Question, the Ministry of Information take no part in the matter, but I understand that the B.B.C. try to strike a fair balance between the parties.

Mr. Granville

Now that the Brains Trust has become controversial, does the right hon. Gentleman not think that it would be better if this feature were controversial, or would it be better to allow Lobby correspondents to become radio reporters of Parliament?

Mr. Bracken

I have yet to discover that a report of the proceedings of Parliament should be made controversial. I thought the object of a report was to give an accurate account of the Debates in the House.

Captain Cunningham-Reid

Would it not be more equitable if a chance were given to the outstanding ability of the Independents?

Mr. Bracken

I should rather call it their self-advertising ability.

Captain Godfrey Nicholson

Is it not a fact that these reports give general satisfaction?