§ 19. Sir W. Bromley-Davenportasked the Postmaster-General whether he will direct the British Broadcasting Corporation not to broadcast programmes containing blasphemy or blasphemous incidents.
§ Mr. Edward ShortNo, Sir. The broadcasting authorities are already under a duty to satisfy themselves that, so far as possible, nothing is included in their programmes which offends against good taste or decency or is likely to be offensive to public feeling. The B.B.C. is, of course subject, like everyone else, to the law of the land in this respect.
§ Sir W. Bromley-DavenportIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the blasphemous dialogue that took place on "The Late Show" on 4th February of this year, which caused so much offence all over the country? Can anything be done to stop a repetition of this disgraceful behaviour?
§ Mr. ShortIf the hon. and gallant Gentleman felt that this was blasphemous, he could have it tested in the courts.