HC Deb 13 June 1950 vol 476 cc29-30
57. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Lord President of the Council when he expects that the Beveridge Report on the British Broadcasting Corporation will be published; and if he will arrange for the publication of the written and oral evidence in full.

Mr. H. Morrison

The Committee has been asked to report by the end of the year, and its Report will be published as soon as possible after it has been received. As to the publication of the evidence as a whole or in part, the Government will be guided by the views of the Committee.

Sir W. Smithers

In view of the fact that this inquiry is being held behind closed doors, will the right hon. Gentleman realise the importance of publishing a verbatim report of the evidence, so that the British public may know the extent to which Communism has infiltrated into the B.B.C.?

Mr. Morrison

I have already answered the Question on the publication of the evidence. I would point out to the hon. Gentleman that, as to the Committee meeting in private, that was their decision and not the decision of the Government and it followed the precedent of 1935, I think it was, against which I have no recollection of the hon. Gentleman then protesting.