§ 48. Mr. Woodburnasked the Prime Minister to what extent, in the appointment of Governors to the British Broadcasting Corporation, consideration is given to their knowledge and experience of the use and services of the British Broadcasting Corporation.
§ The Prime MinisterThis is not a post in which specific qualifications are called for. To insist on them would undesirably narrow the field of selection.
§ Mr. WoodburnIs it not somewhat distasteful to the millions of people who buy television and wireless sets that so many of those who are given these important posts announce publicly that they are so superior that they do not have either a wireless or a television set? Would the right hon. Gentleman look into the question of whether it is only U-people in 1076 this country who have brains, and whether there are not others in various walks of life who could do these jobs on brains trusts and in other important posts?
§ The Prime MinisterI understand that the right hon. Gentleman is now referring to the appointment of the Chairman. If he had asked me about the Chairman I should have done my best to answer, but he asked me about the appointment of governors, of whom I think there are eight in all, and what considerations applied in regard to their appointment. They cover a fairly wide field, and I think that any specific qualification would be undesirable. The object is to get a board of governors which is broadly representative.
§ Mr. WoodburnMay I assure the Prime Minister that I make no personal charge against any particular person, but is he aware that there are quite a number of instances where people take it upon themselves at once to boast in the Press and elsewhere that they do not have wireless or television, which seems to me to be a bit of intellectual snobbery?
§ The Prime MinisterSnobbery—or it may be the unwillingness to purchase a set, or the inability to pay for one.