HC Deb 06 May 1959 vol 605 cc384-5
39. Mr. Lipton

asked the Postmaster-General how often during the past five years he has required the British Broadcasting Corporation not to broadcast a particular programme.

Mr. K. Thompson

Not at all, Sir.

Mr. Lipton

In view of the B.B.C.'s panicky abandonment of a recent programme on the truculent demand of the Northern Ireland Government—and without arguing the merits of any particular individual—will the hon. Gentleman ask the Northern Ireland Government to follow the much better tradition, in these matters, of the British Government?

Mr. Thompson

I think that the House will agree that the Northern Ireland Government are quite entitled to hold, and to express, an opinion. I would ask the hon. Gentleman to be good enough to read a letter on this subject which appeared in this morning's Daily Herald, written by the Leader of the Labour Opposition of Northern Ireland.

Later—

Sir D. Campbell

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. As the Northern Ireland Government have been mentioned, and the subject of a B.B.C. programme has been raised, is it not proper that an hon. Member who is a member of the Unionist Party in Northern Ireland should be permitted to ask a supplementary question?

Mr. Speaker

We have passed that Question now. I failed to observe the hon. Member for Belfast, South (Sir D. Campbel).