HC Deb 21 June 1960 vol 625 cc216-9
41. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Prime Minister whether he will now state the name of new chairman of the Welsh British Broadcasting Corporation and the reasons that led to his or her appointment.

The Prime Minister

The hon. Member has no doubt now seen the announcement that the Queen has been pleased to approve the appointment of Mrs. Rachel Marianne Jones to be the British Broadcasting Corporation's National Governor for Wales from 1st July, 1960. The reason for the choice of Mrs. Jones was her eminent suitability for the post.

Mr. Thomas

In asking the Prime Minister whether he will reconsider this flabbergasting appointment, may I also ask whether he is aware that there is a mounting tide of opinion in Wales that this merely shows his complete contempt for Welsh affairs and, secondly, that it is an intimation to the people of Wales that the way to preferment in Government appointments is to be friendly with Lord Brecon and the Minister for Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs?

The Prime Minister

Regarding the first part of the supplementary question, the only statements I have seen throwing doubt on the suitability of this appointment—this lady is generally recognised to have done good work and has great experience—relate to her limited knowledge of the Welsh language. Unfortunately, she shares that with two-thirds of the Welsh people and perhaps, although I would hesitate to say so, with some hon. Members who represent Welsh constituencies.

Mr. J. Griffiths

May I—[HON. MEMBERS: "In Welsh."]—ask the Prime Minister whether he appreciates how glad we are that he recognises that it is unfortunate that this good lady does not understand the Welsh language? That is good news from the Conservative Party to Wales. May I ask the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the qualifications laid down in the Charter for the person appointed to this post? May I read them to him? The … person to be designated as National Governor for Wales who shall have been selected for appointment as Governor in virtue of his knowledge of the culture, characteristics and affairs of Our People in Wales and his close touch with Welsh opinion… May I ask the Prime Minister whether he realises that, judged from that standpoint, there is no one but himself and the Minister for Welsh Affairs who thinks this a good appointment?

The Prime Minister

I do not agree. I hope that the right hon. Gentleman or hon. Members opposite are not saying that because a man or woman has only a limited knowledge of the Welsh language they have no knowledge of the culture, characteristics or affairs of the Welsh people. If so, I can only say again that they are ruling out more than two-thirds of their fellow countrymen.

Mr. Griffiths

May I tell the Prime Minister that we do not want to rule out anyone? May I ask him to refer to the fact that it is desirable, and indeed it is laid down, that they should be in touch with Welsh opinion? Is he aware that it is the universal view in Wales—I do not think there are many hon. Members opposite who would disagree—that from that standpoint this is a very bad appointment?

The Prime Minister

I think it is a very good appointment. I am comforted by the thought that when the Office of Minister of State for Wales was set up, and the present Minister was appointed, there was a great deal of criticism, but I think that now there is almost universal acceptance that my right hon. Friend has done a very fine job for Wales.

Mr. G. Roberts

Quite apart from the question of language—and, after all, the B.B.C. in Wales is expected to provide a bilingual service—may I ask the Prime Minister whether he is aware that there is very deep criticism and even resentment in Wales about this selection? In view of the fact that in any case the Charter expires in two years, would not it have been a wise move to have asked the present chairman—who has given the utmost satisfaction—to continue until that time and to give advice as to the revision of the Charter?

The Prime Minister

There are here two questions—whether we should ask the present chairman, who is 72 years old, to continue, or make another choice. Of course, I recognise that in all these cases choices are difficult to make. My right hon. Friend does his best to find suitable persons. May I in this case appeal for at least that amount of gallantry to be shown to this lady as would give her a chance to show whether she can do this job well or badly? I think she can do it well.

Lady Megan Lloyd George

In view of the fact that the minutes of the Welsh Broadcasting Corporation are kept in Welsh; in view of the fact that a high proportion of the programmes are also in Welsh and in view of the fact that Mrs. Jones does not understand or speak Welsh, can the right hon. Gentleman really say that this appointment is suitable?

The Prime Minister

Of course, if it were true that the minutes were kept in Welsh, that would be a disadvantage. However, I have ascertained that the minutes are kept in English. They are translated into Welsh and circulated in both forms, no doubt for the benefit of those other members who have some difficulty in understanding the Welsh language.

Mr. Thomas

In view of the unsatisfactory nature both of the appointment and the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter at the first possible moment.