War Department and B.B.C. (Liaison)

HC Deb 06 May 1959 vol 605 cc374-5

5. Brigadier Clarke

asked the Secretary of State for War what liaison there is between the War Department and the British Broadcasting Corporation.

Mr. Soames

It is the duty of an officer in our public relations department to maintain a liaison with the B.B.C. and the I.T.A. programme contractors.

Brigadier Clarke

Will my right hon. Friend say why Rifleman Terry Dene, who I understand is not fit for the Army, should be paid £400 a week out of public funds to shake his chassis on the B.B.C. and to appear perfectly fit to the British public?

Mr. Soames

To begin with, the supplementary question is a long way wide of the Question; secondly, I do not regard the payment as public funds, and, thirdly, the qualifications necessary to appear on television are not the same as those to serve in the Army.

Mr. G. Brown

Can the Minister say what the qualifications are for a liaison officer with the B.B.C. and the I.T.A.?

Mr. Soames

To be good at the job.

Mr. Brown

Which job?