HC Deb 28 January 1942 vol 377 cc727-8W
Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of Information why the monitory service of the British Broadcasting Corporation is not staffed by British subjects?

Mr. Bracken

Work in this service calls for fluent and colloquial knowledge of the language monitoral. British subjects with adequate qualifications are not obtainable in the numbers required. Preference is, however, given to them when they are available, and all the directing staff is British.

Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of Information whether he state, by nationalities, the number of aliens or ex-aliens employed in any capacity in the monitory service of the British Broadcasting Corporation; what is the total amount paid in salary; and the amount paid to each?

Mr. Bracken

It is not in the public interest to give detailed information with regard to the monitoring service, but I am sending my hon. Friend privately a statement covering the points raised in his Question.