§ The following Question stood upon the Order Paper:
§ 61. Colonel GOMME-Duncan.—To ask the Minister of Information, what amount was spent in Scotland by the B.B.C. on broadcasting in 1945.
§ Mr. SpeakerColonel Gomme-Duncan.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanMr. Speaker, may I say, on a point of Order, or perhaps as a protest, that this is rather typical of the Government's attitude to Scottish affairs?
§ Later—
§ Mr. KirkwoodMr. Speaker, on a point of Order. What about Question No. 61?
§ Mr. SpeakerI am afraid I cannot answer it. As soon as the Minister arrives he will deal with it.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works (Mr. Harold Wilson)In the absence abroad of my right hon. Friend I have been asked to reply to Question No. 61. The broadcasting services in Scotland are an integral part of the whole service provided by the B.B.C. 955 on a national basis and I regret that it is not practicable to give separate figures of expenditure in respect of services available to listeners in Scotland.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanI distinctly asked how much was spent in Scotland; not on Scottish broadcasting, but in Scotland. There must be receipts for what was spent in Scotland.
§ Mr. WilsonI will take that up with the B.B.C. On asking them for the information so far, it was not available. I will put it in the way it has been put to me.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanIt is very unsatisfactory. I give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.