HC Deb 07 April 1948 vol 449 cc137-8
1. Mr. William Teeling

asked the Postmaster-General what is the supervision exercised at the B.B.C. by British subjects over broadcasting news to Siam by the Siamese Editor of the Siamese section of the B.B.C.

The Postmaster-General (Mr. Wilfred Paling)

I understand from the British Broadcasting Corporation that supervision over the work of the Siamese Editor is exercised by the Head of the Corporation's Far Eastern Department, who is a British subject.

Mr. Teeling

Is the right hon. Gentleman equally sure that the gentleman supervising the talks speaks Siamese and, if not, how can he cut off the speech of a broadcaster to Siam who said something not suitable to this country?

Sir Waldron Smithers

May I ask the Postmaster-General whether he will ask the B.B.C. to exercise stricter supervision of all foreign broadcasts?

Mr. Teeing

Will the Postmaster-General answer my supplementary question? Can he answer it?

Mr. Paling

I am not sure whether he speaks Siamese or not, but I will make an inquiry about it.

Mr. Wilson Harris

Would it not be possible to get a pair of Siamese twins of mixed parentage and set them to supervise each other?

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