§ 45. Mr. Geoffrey Cooperasked the Prime Minister how many times since the Charter was granted again in 1946, have the statutory powers of issuing directions on policy to the British Broadcasting Corporation been exercised.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)The prohibition on the British Broadcasting Corporation broadcasting its own opinion on matters of public policy imposed under the licence of 1937 has been maintained in practice under the current licence. In addition, directions have been given in regard to hours of broadcasting and in relation to the employment of aliens.
§ Mr. CooperIs the Prime Minister prepared for powers to be exercised in giving a direction to the B.B.C. for an independent inquiry to be held, in view of the recent confirmation by the former Attorney-General that money was shown to have passed to a number of B.B.C. employees in unfortunate circumstances?
§ The Prime MinisterThat seems to be an entirely different question.
§ Mr. Godfrey NicholsonHas any Government guidance been given to the B.B.C., or will it shortly be given, on the employment of alleged Communists?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is another question entirely.
§ Mr. CooperIn view of the failure of the recent Speer case, which showed loopholes in the present law, would the Government be prepared to alter the law in order to apply the same law to the B.B.C. and to other nationalised industries as applies at present to public bodies, and could the law for the prevention of bribery and corruption be altered accordingly?
§ The Prime MinisterThat seems all very complicated, and I would prefer to see it on paper.