§ 30. Mr. John Leeasked the Postmaster General if he will direct the British Broadcasting Corporation to refrain from broadcasting programmes the context of which is prejudicial to or contemptuous of matters that aresub judice;and in view of the action of the Corporation during the recent Richardson case, if he will dismiss the Chairman of the Corporation.
§ Mr. MasonNo Sir. The need to avoid such broadcasts is well understood in the B.B.C. This one happened because owing to a most unfortunate error the B.B.C. wrongly thought that all Richardson's appeals had been concluded. I know that the Chairman of the B.B.C. and the staff concerned share the grave concern of hon. Members and myself over the error.
§ Mr. LeeAs this was neither the first nor the last time that such a thing has happened—indeed, has there not been a gross abuse of this kind since, in a case where an appeal was pending?—would my right hon. Friend not whisper loudly in the Chairman's ear that any more incidents of this kind will not be tolerated, and, if they do happen, would he dismiss the Chairman and his egregious Director-General?
§ Mr. MasonIn view of the Richardson case, I have seen the Chairman and he has apologised to the Attorney-General any myself. He was perturbed about it. It was a stupid mistake. All concerned are aware of it, and I hope that the House will let it rest at that.
§ Mr. Stratton MillsWould the right hon. Gentleman assure us that, before putting cut any other programmes like this, the B.B.C. will take full legal advice?
§ Mr. PagetWhy should we be gagged because an appeal is under way? Is it imagined that something said on the B.B.C. will affect Appeal Court judges? If something out of turn is said, can they not be sued for libel?
§ Mr. MasonI would disagree with my hon. and learned Friend, as, I am sure, would the House. We cannot allow these trials on television before a mass audience before the person himself has had a chance to appear in court.