§ 49. Sir W. Smithersasked the Lord President of the Council why certain passages of Lady MacRobert's broadcast on Remembrance Day, which contained criticisms of Government policy, were deleted.
§ The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Herbert Morrison)This is, of course, a matter within the discretion of the B.B.C. and not one for which the Government have any responsibility. I am informed by the B.B.C. that, in the course of editing, passages were deleted from Lady MacRobert's broadcast because they raised political issues which were considered inappropriate for a broadcast of this kind.
§ Sir W. SmithersIs not this conclusive proof that the B.B.C. is under Socialist control, and that free expression is denied to British subjects, as in the case of this gallant lady? Is there any wonder that the Government do not want an inquiry into the B.B.C?
§ Mr. SpeakerThat does not arise under this Question.
§ Mr. WalkdenCan my right hon. Friend tell us why, the night before, when there was a very important speech by the Minister of Food, there were no references to it whatever by the B.B.C? No information was given which was complimentary to Britain's Socialist Government. This is very important to us.
§ Mr. MorrisonI do not know anything about that; my hon. Friend had better put the question on the Order Paper.