HC Deb 25 March 1943 vol 387 cc1746-7
15. Commander Locker-Lampson

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the world-wide importance of the service of the British Broadcasting Corporation, he will cease calling up men or women working at the British Broadcasting Corporation and call up all men and women working on the land who can be replaced by prisoners of war?

Mr. Bevin

No. Sir. Adequate arrangements exist for the retention of essential staff by the British Broadcasting Corporation, and workers who can be spared from agriculture are called up.

Commander Locker-Lampson

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether the time has not come to call up a few more farmers to fight for England?

Mr. Driberg

Is it not essential to leave on the land as many skilled agricultural workers as possible?

Commander Locker-Lampson

Could the right hon. Gentleman not replace them by Italian prisoners?

Sir Herbert Williams

Does the right hon. Gentleman think the B.B.C. can really live by eating their own words?

Mr. Bevin

I have no doubt that my hon. Friend is experimenting.

16. Commander Locker-Lampson

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will return to the British Broadcasting Corporation Mr. Bruce Belfrage and Mr. Alvar Liddell, in view of the importance to the national war effort of their radio services?

Mr. Bevin

Both these men are in the Forces, and my hon. and gallant Friend should address his request in the first instance to the Service Ministers concerned.