HC Deb 11 July 1946 vol 425 cc570-1
48. Mr. Austin

asked the Lord President of the Council why, in view of the fact that under Subsection (3) of Section four of the licence granted to the B.B.C. in January, 1927, he has power to prevent any item being broadcast, he refuses to interfere in the case of particular broadcasts of an entertainment or instructional nature which have proved offensive or distasteful to large sections of the public.

The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Herbert Morrison)

It is, I am afraid, clear that the B.B.C. cannot please all the people all the time and all listeners, including Ministers of the Crown, must find occasional B.B.C. programmes distasteful to them. But the Government certainly do not consider this sufficient justification for taking the very serious step of imposing a censorship on broadcasting.

Mr. Austin

Having regard to that answer, would my right hon. Friend consider widening the scope of acceptance of Questions at the Table, so that Members of this House may have the right to put down a Question about a talk which may be postponed, or a programme which proves distasteful to the public?

Mr. Morrison

I should not have any strong feelings against that, but I understand that the doctrine that determines what is accepted at the Table is the degree of responsibility of Ministers in the matter, and it is exceedingly difficult for me to arrange, or indeed to argue, anything that goes beyond that doctrine. Ministers are responsible to Parliament, and must be held responsible to Parliament. On the other hand, to hold Ministers responsible to Parliament for things for which they are not responsible would perhaps be objectionable the other way.

Mr. De la Bère

Is it possible to do something about the inspired propaganda, especially as regards the American loan and petrol? What has increased petrol to do with the loan?

Mr. Morrison

I wish it were possible to do something about the hon. Member.

Mr. De la Bère

On a point of Order. Am I entitled to remind the right hon. Gentleman that I am quite able to look after myself?