§ 55. Captain Litchfieldasked the Postmaster-General if he will give a direction to the British Broadcasting Corporation under Section 15(4) of the Licence and Agreement not to broadcast plays calcu- 230 lated to discourage recruitment into the Armed Forces.
§ Mr. BevinsI think that my hon. and gallant Friend may be referring to the B.B.C. programme "A Little Bit of Gold Said Jump". I did not see the programme and I have not had an opportunity to read the script. But my power under Section 15(4) is a reserve power which I am most reluctant to use.
Captain(LitchfieldI appreciate my right hon. Friend's reply and I understand the point he makes, but does he think it really acceptable that material which is grotesquely misrepresentative of Service conditions should be broadcast?
§ Mr. BevinsIt is difficult for me to answer my hon. and gallant Friend on that point because I have not seen the programme, but, when I have the time, I will very gladly read a copy of the script and then, perhaps, communicate with him.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattDoes my right hon. Friend agree that there are many people who would not wish the Government to direct the British Broadcasting Corporation on an issue such as this and who consider that it should be left to the good sense of the Corporation to avoid this type of programme?
§ Mr. BevinsYes, and I am sure that the B.B.C. will take note of the views expressed by my hon. Friends.
§ Mr. W. HamiltonCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether this programme was any more distorted than the advertisements produced by the War Office for recruitment to the Armed Services?