HC Deb 03 May 1944 vol 399 cc1305-7
22. Captain Plugge

asked the Minister of Information if he is prepared to make a statement regarding the granting of a licence to an allied country to set up a high-powered medium wave broadcasting station in this country to start operations on Sunday, 30th April.

Mr. Bracken

The B.B.C. holds a licence from the Postmaster-General in respect of the broadcasting transmitters in question and the Corporation has, with the approval of the Government, made them available to our United States Allies for political warfare purposes.

Captain Plugge

Whilst I welcome this station, may I ask my right hon. Friend if the Office of War Information have built this station through the facilities of the Columbia Broadcasting System, or the network of the National Broadcasting Company? Further, has he secured reciprocity in the United States in respect of these concessions for similar British concerns?

Mr. Bracken

As the hon. and gallant Gentleman had prepared his supplementary long before he heard my answer, I would advise him—

Captain Plugge

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. On what authority is my right hon. Friend permitted to make such an insinuation?

Mr. Bracken

I would advise the hon. and gallant Member to read my answer in HANSARD to-morrow. There is nothing in his Question which deals with the Columbia Broadcasting System or the National Broadcasting Company.

Captain Plugge

In view of this concession is the House to understand that the British Broadcasting Corporation will no longer use its monopoly to oppose negotiations undertaken by British interests for concessions of this kind in foreign countries where commercial broadcasting is allowed?

Mr. Bracken

That raises a new question. If, after the war, a number of pirate radio stations—which have been of the greatest assistance to the enemy—attempt to start up again, I have no doubt that the British Government will know how to deal with them.

Mr. Granville

Is it not a fact that the charier of the B.B.C. is vested in the Minister of Information? Has he not taken counsel's opinion to the effect that, so far as the war effort is concerned, he has complete powers over the B.B.C.?

Mr. Bracken

That is a most inaccurate summary of an answer I once gave in the House.

Mr. George Griffiths

Are these pirate stations something belonging to British folk?

Sir H. Williams

Something better than the B.B.C. is what the right hon. Gentleman means.