§ 40 and 41. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Prime Minister (1) on what date the new Chairman of the Welsh Council of the British Broadcasting Corporation will begin his duties; and
(2) when he expects to announce the name of the new Chairman of the Welsh Council of the British Broadcasting Corporation; and whether he intends to open this appointment to Welshmen who speak English only.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)The term of appointment of the member of the British Broadcasting Corporation who is the National Governor for Wales and also Chairman of the National Broadcasting Council for Wales expires on 30th June.
It is not a condition of appointment that the person selected should speak Welsh.
§ Mr. ThomasIs the Prime Minister indicating that he will soon announce the name of the person appointed to follow Lord Macdonald? Secondly, in making this appointment, will he bear in mind that the Welsh people will be very disappointed if he tries to push on to us one of his disused Tory slag heaps, if I may use one of his own expressions?
§ The Prime MinisterI hope that the appointment can be made very shortly, at any rate in time before the resignation of the present holder takes effect.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsWill the Prime Minister bear in mind that, though the knowledge of Welsh may not be a condition of the appointment, it will be an advantage to the Chairman of the Council to listen to and understand the Welsh programmes for which he is responsible?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, I quite understand that. It is one of the considerations which we must take into account.
§ Mr. MorrisWill the Prime Minister bear in mind in making the appointment that the Chairman should be a person with full knowledge of the cultural and educational needs of Wales?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. I think that that is the most important aspect to take into account in making the appointment.