§ 21. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Secretary of State for War when he decided to cut down the local programmes broadcast by the British Forces Network at Hamburg.
§ Mr. HeadCertain reductions had to be made in Germany to save deutschmarks. This was one of the recommendations of the Commanders-in-Chief and was accepted. There will continue to be an all day service on the Forces Network, but far more items will consist 260 of selected relays from the B.B.C. Light and Home programmes.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that when in answer to a Question I put to him on 8th April, he said:
There is no intention of closing down the British Forces Network."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 8th April, 1952; Vol. 498, c. 2476.]he in fact grossly misled the House? Is he aware that "Mrs. Dale's Diary" and matters of that kind are really not the stuff to give the troops?
§ Mr. HeadWhat I said then is exactly what I meant. There is no intention of closing down the Forces Network in B.A.O.R. It will remain open, but, instead of hiring dance bands and symphony concerts from among people in Germany, the troops will get it from this country. I am not qualified to comment on "Mrs. Dale's Diary."