HC Deb 31 March 1943 vol 388 cc172-3
44. Mr. Oldfield

asked the Minister of Information why no mention was made in the British Broadcasting Corporation news on 20th March of the great procession and demonstration held in Manchester; and why, in view of its importance, this event was not recorded for the information of the country?

Mr. Bracken

I am often told by persons who have no knowledge of the heavy burden borne by the B.B.C. that it is overstaffed. If they were to report every demonstration and procession held in the British Isles their news staff would have to be doubled, and even then, by some form of magic, they would have to run a 48-hour programme every 24 hours.

Mr. Oldfield

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in view of the fact that this was one of the first processions and demonstrations in the North, he will consider, through the B.B.C., placing Manchester on the map when there are matters of this importance?

Mr. Bracken

I cannot add anything to the all-embracing answer I have given.

Captain Cunningham-Reid

On this particular date did not the greater procession start in Tunisia?

Mr. Rhys Davies

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a feeling that the provinces are neglected by the B.B.C. and that nearly everything is centred on London?

Mr. Bracken

The hon. Gentleman knows perfectly well that what Manchester thinks to-day, London thinks to-morrow.

Viscountess Astor

Is it not a fact that Plymouth is neglected and that nobody hears anything about it unless I raise the matter here?