HC Deb 23 February 1949 vol 461 cc1847-8
30. Mr. Orr-Ewing

asked the Postmaster-General what steps he takes to see that the television section of the British Broadcasting Corporation is not used for party political propaganda.

Mr. Wilfred Paling

The Government relys upon the B.B.C. to treat controversial subjects with complete impartiality. This applies equally to the sound and television services.

Mr. Orr-Ewing

In that case, will the Postmaster-General tell us how it is that a book called "The Triple Challenge," which is supposed to be the history of the present Socialist Government, the author of which was until recently political adviser to the Prime Minister, has been the first book selected to be televised?

Mr. Paling

I do not know about that. I think that on the whole the B.B.C. are doing a pretty good job. I receive complaints from both sides, first, that there is too much Tory propaganda and, secondly, that there is too much Socialist propaganda.