HL Deb 09 February 1960 vol 220 c1024

2.43 p.m.

LORD TEVIOT

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether statements made and investigations initiated by the British Broadcasting Corporation on subjects which are being dealt with by the Government have been submitted to the Ministries concerned.]

LORD CHESHAM

My Lords, I am assuming that the noble Lord is referring to programmes in the Home Sound and Television Services of the British Broadcasting Corporation. Such programmes are not submitted to the Ministries concerned, and I would remind the noble Lord that successive Governments have endorsed the Corporation's independence in its day-to-day affairs, including programme matters.

LORD TEVIOT

My Lords, may I ask my noble friend whether this definitely means that no communication is made to the Ministries concerned on subjects of great importance to this country and abroad? Does it mean that no communication is made at all?

LORD CHESHAM

Yes, my Lords it does. Any communication of that sort would surely form some kind of censorship, which I think would be abhorrent to all your Lordships and to the country as a whole.