§ 47. Mr. Granvilleasked the Prime Minister the date on which the B.B.C. charter expires; if it is intended to renew it in its present form; and whether he will give this House an opportunity to debate its existing provisions in relation to the future of broadcasting and television.
§ The Prime MinisterThe charter of the British Broadcasting Corporation will expire on 31st December, 1946. The form in which it is to be renewed will require, and is already receiving, careful consideration by the Government. I cannot make any statement on the matter at present. Upon the last part of the Question, I cannot hold out any hope of a special opportunity being afforded in the near future for a Debate. The matter could, of course, however, be raised in the normal course of Business.
§ Mr. GranvilleWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask if the House of Commons should not be given an opportunity to discuss the future of television and an alternative system of broadcasting, before any long-term decisions are made by the B.B.C.?
§ The Prime MinisterAll the opportunities which Parliamentary procedure provides are at the disposal of the House. The Question is one of special opportunity being given in the case of Government Business.
§ Captain PluggeIs my right hon Friend aware of the excellent work being carried out by the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee of this House and will be consider appointing a member of that Committee to the Standing Committee recently appointed by the Government to consider and make recommendations for the future of television?
§ The Prime MinisterI must ask for notice of that Question.
§ Mr. GranvilleMay I ask the Prime Minister about a point which is causing some doubt in this House, namely, whether the charter is, at this moment, vested in the Postmaster-General or in the Minister of Information?
§ The Prime MinisterObviously, that is a matter of which I should have notice.