HC Deb 08 July 1948 vol 453 cc569-70
45. Mr. Geoffrey Cooper

asked the Lord President of the Council in view of the importance of ensuring that at least one of our nationalised undertakings is brought into line with the new conceptions of socialist administration, proposals for which were included in a report which was submitted to him in February, 1947, if he will give an undertaking that the committee of inquiry into the B.B.C. will be set up within a month to enable the necessary full inquiry and re-organisation to take place before the new charter is granted so that the terms of the new charter may incorporate the principles of organisation proposed to him.

The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Herbert Morrison)

I regret that I cannot give the undertaking for which my hon. Friend asks.

Mr. Cooper

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the cases of alleged victimisation of members of the staff, and also of professional or other broadcasters? Would he have the question of adequate representation of an independent nature looked into, particularly when the eventual investigation into the B.B.C. is held?

Mr. Morrison

There will be an investigation, a committee of inquiry, and I should have thought that it would have been perfectly competent for evidence on that subject to be tendered.

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