HC Deb 11 December 1945 vol 417 cc213-4
48. Mr. Gordon Walker

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider making arrangements for the recording of selected Debates in this House so that they may be later broadcast in part or in whole, by the B.B.C.

The Prime Minister

No, Sir. This proposal has been considered on previous occasions, and I do not think that there is any substantial body of opinion in the House which would favour this course.

Captain Blackburn

May I ask the Prime Minister whether the main reason why this proposal has been turned down in the past was not the low standard of Debate and attendance in previous Parliaments?

Hon. Members

Oh.

Mr. G. Walker

Would my right hon. Friend take into account that not only in this country, but abroad, many people are interested in our Parliamentary policy, and that this would be the most effective way of all of getting it across?

The Prime Minister

I disagree with my hon. Friend that this would be the most effective way of getting it across. I do not think that a long day's discussion in the House would be listened-in to. There would probably be a rush to get to the best listening times, which might affect the Debates in this House. It would be very difficult to get the proper balance between Members. All those matters have been considered over and over again and I do not think it would be good to do it.

Mr. Baxter

Is the Prime Minister aware that his reply will be supported by all Members of good sense in the House?