HC Deb 03 March 1952 vol 497 cc28-9
47. Captain Ryder

asked the Prime Minister which Minister is responsible for external broadcasting from this country.

The Prime Minister

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs is responsible for the supervision and direction of external broadcasting to foreign countries, and my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Secretary of State for the Colonies are similarly responsible in their respective spheres.

The B.B.C. produce the material under the above general guidance.

Captain Ryder

Will my right hon. Friend appreciate the enormous importance of this service which is rendered by the B.B.C.? In view of the economies now being called for, is he satisfied that this branch is being adequately protected against any damage?

The Prime Minister

That goes far beyond the scope of the Question on the Order Paper.