§ Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Information what steps have been taken to fill posts at the British Broadcasting Corporation and at the Ministry of Information by British-born subjects; and will he make every effort to exclude aliens and ex-aliens from posts connected with either organisation?
§ Mr. BrackenNames of British-born subjects to fill posts in the foreign services of the B.B.C. are submitted by University Appointment Boards, the British Council, the Central Register and other sources, as well as by personal application. The qualifications of all such candidates are carefully considered. It is not practicable to ban the employment of aliens in the Corporation's foreign services on account of the fact that sufficient British subjects with the necessary linguistic qualifications and local know ledge are not available. The employment of aliens and ex-aliens in the Ministry of Information, as in other Government Departments, is only permitted if the man concerned possesses special qualifications or experience and if no suitably qualified British subject is available. Those foreigners who are employed by the Corporation and by the Ministry are rendering 1815W valuable service to the nation, and I would deprecate any imputation upon their loyalty or ability.
§ Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Information whether the salaries paid to aliens or ex-aliens employed in the monitoring service of the British Broadcasting Corporation, ranging from £385 to £595 per annum, or from £3 to ¥ a week, include free billeting or other allowances; and if so, what are these allowances worth, in addition to the salaries?
§ Mr. BrackenThis matter relates entirely to the internal administration of the staff of the B.B.C. and I do not think that it should be made the subject of public discussion.
§ Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Information whether he will give the reasons why Messrs. Shankland, Whitley and Marriott resigned their posts at the British Broadcasting Corporation?
§ Mr. BrackenNo, Sir. This matter relates entirely to the administration of the B.B.C.'s own staff.
§ Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Information (1) whether a man of German extraction called Wolff, a man of Hungarian extraction called Forbat and a man of Austrian extraction called Behran are still employed in the monitory service of the British Broadcasting Corporation; what salaries, including allowances, do they receive; and have they access to any confidential documents or information;
(2) whether a Hungarian, or ex-Hungarian subject, named Tanzer, is still employed by the British Broadcasting Corporation as a German monitor; and what are his qualifications for the post?
§ Mr. BrackenI do not think that it is in the public interest that I should disclose particulars about individuals employed by the British Broadcasting Corporation, more particularly those of foreign extraction who may have relatives in countries occupied by the enemy.