HC Deb 20 November 1946 vol 430 c831
8. Mr. Bossom

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General why the B.B.C. has been prevented from having records made of important broadcast statements by approved firms at no cost to the taxpayer.

Mr. Burke

The B.B.C. have not been prevented from having any such records made.

Mr. Bossom

Will the Minister do his utmost to induce the B.B.C. to allow historic records of great importance, which a tremendous number of people would like to hear again, to be made available as suggested in my Question? Is he aware that the B.B.C. are now refusing to allow this to be done; and cannot he use his influence in this matter so that the public may benefit as all believed it was the duty of the B.B.C. to permit this?

Mr. Burke

If the hon. Member means that the B.B.C. should make records for particular persons, I am afraid that that is not possible.

Mr. William Teeling

Does the Assistant Postmaster-General realise that if the B.B.C. are asked for a recording to be made by a private company for themselves, they are flatly refused?

Mr. Burke

Anybody can make a recording from a B.B.C. broadcast, but the B.B.C. cannot do it for other persons.

Mr. Teeling

But the B.B.C. will not allow them to do it.