HC Deb 13 July 1967 vol 750 c999
20. Mr. Statton Mills

asked the Postmaster-General if he will announce the name of the new Chairman of the British Broadcasting Corporation.

Mr. Edward Short

An announcement will be made as soon as possible.

Mr. Mills

Does the Postmaster-General recognise the importance of having a national figure who has not been linked in the past nor is at present with any political party? Would he consider redefining the powers of the Chairman of Governors of the B.B.C. so that he has greater control in practice as well as in theory over the Director General and the staff?

Mr. Short

The last Chairman of I.T.A. was an ex-Tory Cabinet Minister who disappeared in the "Night of the Long Knives". I realise that this is a very important point, and the hon. Member can be assured that we shall get the right man for the job.