HL Deb 18 July 1960 vol 225 cc361-3

2.42 p.m.

LORD CHORLEY

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 if they are aware that the important statement as to freedom of controversy in religious broadcasting which for a number of years appeared in the British Broadcasting Corporation's Handbook has now been omitted, and whether they will take steps to secure that it is restored]

THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT (LORD CHESHAM)

My Lords, I understand that that is so, but the content of the B.B.C. Handbook is entirely a matter for the Corporation.

LORD CHORLEY

My Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for his Answer, I should like to ask him whether he is aware that the Royal Commission presided over by my noble friend Lord Beveridge made a great point about the importance of all sorts of religious opinion being given a fair hearing by the B.B.C. I would also ask the noble Lord whether it is not the case that it was after that Report had been issued that this statement appeared in the B.B.C.

Handbook, and that the fact that it has now been omitted has given rise to a great deal of feeling among many of the less conventional groups of religious thought, who fear that there is possibly something behind this which is a threat to their religious freedom and toleration of speech in these matters.

LORD CHESHAM

My Lords, I am quite aware of the desirability of freedom of controversy in these matters, to which I am sure all of your Lordships would subscribe. I am informed that the fact that this particular passage was omitted from the Handbook has no significance whatsoever, and I am told that there is nothing to be feared from it. So far as I am concerned, I have several times—I might almost say, many times—told your Lordships that it has been the policy of this and many previous Governments over the years that the B.B.C. should enjoy complete independence, within the framework of the rules laid down, in their programme content, which includes the content of their Handbook. If, therefore, the noble Lord wishes to make representations about this matter he should make them to the B.B.C. arid not to Her Majesty's Government.

LORD CHORLEY

My Lords, I should like to thank the noble Lord rather more cordially for his answer to my supplementary question than for his Answer to the Question as originally framed, because, if I may say so, it was a good deal more satisfactory.

LORD TEVIOT

My Lords, may I just ask my noble friend whether, then, it is impossible for any independent Member of your Lordships' House or anyone else to ask a question on the conduct of the B.B.C.? Is that an improper thing to do?

LORD CHESHAM

My Lords, if the matter relates to programme content which the B.B.C. devise, then the proper quarter to make inquiry is the B.B.C. If it is a question of the B.B.C. stepping outside the rules that are laid down by my right honourable friend the Postmaster General for the conduct of their affairs, it is then perfectly right for any noble Lord to put down a Question.

LORD TEVIOT

My Lords, may I thank the noble Lord for his answer and ask whether, if I wish to raise any question with regard to the conduct of the B.B.C. and their activities, I must direct myself straight to the government of the B.B.C. and not to Her Majesty's Government here?

LORD CHESHAM

My Lords, it is a fact that if (as I believe the noble Lord has now made clear to the House) there are certain programmes which my noble friend dislikes, he should complain about them to the B.B.C.

LORD TEVIOT

My Lords, I do not want to treat my noble friend roughly, but may I ask him to what department of the B.B.C. I should complain?

LORD CHESHAM

My Lords, in view of the very respected position that my noble friend enjoys, I think he might almost write to the Chairman.

LORD TEVIOT

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his answer.