B.B.C. Staff (Aliens)

HC Deb 15 November 1950 vol 480 cc1703-4

16. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Postmaster-General how many persons employed by the British Broadcasting Corporation are aliens.

Mr. Ness Edwards

A total of 318 aliens are in temporary employment by the British Broadcasting Corporation.

Sir W. Smithers

In view of that very serious statement, the well-known Communist technique of infiltration and the enormous power for good or ill of the B.B.C., will the right hon. Gentleman, in the national interest, keep the personnel and the material broadcast under very close review?

Mr. Ness Edwards

The hon. Gentleman can be assured that that is being done.

Mr. John E. Haire

Is it not a fact that most of these aliens were employed by the B.B.C. during the war and gave most loyal service?

Mr. Ness Edwards

That is certainly so in the majority of cases.