§ 46 Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that the existing restrictions on the right of free speech shall be effectively prevented in the new Charter to be granted to the B.B.C, particularly in regard to minority views, and in respect of matters connected with medicine, politics, religion and other controversies.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)The extent to which controversial matters and minority opinions should be given a place in the B.B.C.'s programme is a matter which in the past has been left, with the approval of this House, to the discretion of the Governors I see no reason to depart from this policy.
§ Mr. FreemanIs the Prime Minister aware that no opportunity is provided at present for minority views on medicine to be expressed, and will he see that such an opportunity is provided?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. This is left to the discretion of the B.B.C, and it would be inappropriate for me to interfere.
§ Major Guy LloydAre the Government proposing to give the House an opportunity to discuss all these matters arising out of the B.B.C Charter?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir, in due course.