HC Deb 04 October 1944 vol 403 cc941-2
67. Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Minister of Information whether the decision of the B.B.C. to provide facilities for persons to enter upon controversial subjects over the radio is intended to mean that those facilities are to be provided also for those who may be opposed to the policy of His Majesty's Government and the United Nations on the issues of peace and war.

The Minister of Information (Mr. Brendan Bracken)

I should be very surprised if the B.B.C. thought that listeners would have any interest in a broadcast which opposed the policy of the United Nations on the issues of peace and war.

Mr. Davies

How does the Minister know the mind of the people of this country?

Mr. Bracken

By natural common sense.

Mr. Stephen

Is the Minister aware that in the Bilston by-election, nearly half the electorate were in favour of I.L.P. policy?

Mr. Bracken

It is impossible to generalise on electoral accidents.

Mr. Davies

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean to say that all the common sense rests in his Department?

Mr. Bracken

Not entirely.