HC Deb 23 July 1946 vol 425 cc1863-4
46. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Lord President of the Council if the members of the Advisory Committee on Scottish Broadcasting will be appointed by the Governors of the B.B.C. or by the Secretary of State for Scotland.

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

Theseappointments will be made by the Governors of the B.B.C. who, in exercising their responsibility, will naturally take such consultations as are appropriate. I think that the hon. Member can rest assured that full account will be taken of any views expressed to the Governors by the Secretary of State.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister aware that, if we cannot get control of our own radio in Scotland, the least we can expect is that the Scottish Department will select the advisers to the B.B.C. Governors on Scottish programmes, and not leave it to the B.B.C. to appoint their own Scottish advisers?

Mr. Morrison

Up to now, it has been the custom when bodies set up advisory committees for them to appoint them, whether they are the Government or anyone else. That practice is being followed. I have made arrangements whereby the Secretary of State for Scotland will be consulted, and he concurs in that arrangement.

Commander Galbraith

Would it not be more in accordance with Scottish sentiment if the Secretary of State for Scotland at least made some of these appointments?

Mr. Morrison

I do not think that I can add to the answer that I have given. I think that this is quite a reasonable arrangement in all the circumstances.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that not one Scotsman or Scotswoman is on the Board of Governors of the B.B.C.?

Mr. Morrison

I am not sure about that.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

It is perfectly true.

Mr. Morrison

The Advisory Committee will be drawn from Scotland, but if Members of the Opposition, who last week were arguing against the Government having an undue hand in the B.B.C., are now going to argue that the Government, and not the B.B.C., should appoint the Advisory Committee, I wish they would reconcile their views.

Mr. Gallacher

Will the Lord President of the Council ask the Secretary of State for Scotland to make a real fight in the Government for his rights in this matter?

Mr. Morrison

The Secretary of State for Scotland makes a much better fight for the rights of Scotland than the hon. Member and his political friends do for the rights of Great Britain.