Sir L. Wardasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information whether he is aware that on the 19th and 20th of this month the British Broadcasting Corporation broadcast an announcement to the effect that certain firms of chocolate manufacturers did not intend to increase the price of their chocolate; and as there are other firms of chocolate manufacturers in the country who also do not intend to increase their prices he will take steps to prevent a repetition of this broadcast which was tantamount to a direct advertisement of particular firms, and as such contrary to the policy of broadcasting carried out in this country?
§ Sir E. GriggMy Noble Friend is informed by the British Broadcasting Corporation that the announcements to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, were broadcast on the 20th and 21st September, and that they were followed by a further broadcast announcement on 22nd September, making it clear that other important manufacturers, in addition to those previously mentioned, were also 1523W keeping their prices unchanged. My Noble Friend much regrets any difficulties that may have been caused to individual firms by the omission of their names from the broadcast announcements, and is bringing the matter to the attention of the British Broadcasting Corporation who, he is sure, appreciate the consideration referred to in the last part of the question.