HC Deb 08 November 1955 vol 545 cc1653-4
51. Mr. Donnelly

asked the Prime Minister if he will amend the directive to the broadcasting authorities by excluding persons who are not Members of either House from the effect of the ban on discussing subjects to be debated within 14 days in Parliament.

The Prime Minister

The rule as followed now for several years protects the principle that when debates are arranged in Parliament they should not be immediately anticipated by broadcast discussions, whether hon. Members take part or not. I would not therefore propose that the rule should be modified to apply only to Members of the two Houses.

Mr. Donnelly

Is the right hon. Gentleman saying that in his opinion this House has a right to prevent people who have nothing to do with this House from deciding whether or not they shall talk about things on the radio? Is he upholding that particular principle?

The Prime Minister

I do not really look at it in that way. We could argue about it but, as the hon. Gentleman knows, this was an arrangement originally voluntarily arrived at. I think it a reasonable arrangement in the interests of Parliament and everybody concerned, and I see no present cause to vary it.

Mr. Dugdale

Will the Prime Minister state whether there is any restriction on discussion taking place in the Press on matters which are likely to come before Parliament within fourteen days? If there is no such restriction, why should there be a difference between the B.B.C. and the Press in this matter?

The Prime Minister

There is no restriction, and the reasons for the differential have frequently been stated and argued out by my predecessor and others.

Mr. Wade

Is the Prime Minister aware that there is here an issue of some constitutional importance? Is it right that political parties in Parliament should attempt to dictate to individuals who are not Members of Parliament what they should or should not discuss? Furthermore, is it right that such a principle should become established before it has been debated or voted on by the elected representatives of the people?

The Prime Minister

I do not think that it is a principle being established; it is a practice which has been followed being steadily pursued, and on the whole I think it works in the interest of Parliament. I would guess that the country as a whole understands that the interest of Parliament in this matter is of some significance.

Mr. J. J. Astor

Is the Prime Minister aware that the present rule puts the editors of newspapers in an unwarranted privileged position?

The Prime Minister

I expect that they will survive it all right.

Mr. T. Williams

Is the Prime Minister aware that some of the members of these four-men panels are incapable of discussing the activities of an ordinary parish council?

The Prime Minister

It would not be right for me to express an opinion while asking others not to do so.