HC Deb 22 May 1946 vol 423 cc311-3
12. Mr. Cocks

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that an article by Sir William Beveridge on the Franco régime has recently been broadcast to Spain by the B.B.C.; and whether his Department was consulted before this action was taken.

Mr. Bevin

I understand that an article by Sir William Beveridge entitled "How to be rid of Franco was broadcast by the B.B.C. in their Spanish Service on 16th April. The Foreign Office were not consulted in advance, but this is perfectly normal, since, though the B.B.C. keep in touch with the Foreign Office on matters of general policy, the Department are not concerned with the details of the B.B.C.'s programmes.

Mr. Cocks

Is the Foreign Secretary aware that this article favoured the return of the monarchy and slandered Señor Giral, and is there any way of controlling the European service of the B.B.C. which is staffed by anti-republican Roman Catholics?

Mr. Bevin

Really, the Foreign Office is not going to establish a censorship of the B.B.C. neither will I ever indulge in it. I do expect the B.B.C. on matters of general policy, for which His Majesty's Government are responsible and which we have issued, to have regard to that policy; but I am not going to interfere with anybody expressing his views one way or the other.

Mr. Warbey

Is it not the case that the Foreign Office give advice to the European service of the B.B.C. and that they have advised them not to say anything offensive to the monarchy?

Mr. Bevin

That is not true. It just comes from a warped mind.

Mr. Logan

Without being in any way offensive to the monarchy, is it right for any Member of this House to insult Roman Catholic opinion?

Mr. Cocks

Do we understand from the answer of the Foreign Secretary that the policy of the British Government is to restore the monarchy, because this article was in favour of that?

Mr. Speaker

We are discussing the B.B.C. and not the policy of Hi Majesty's Government.

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