HC Deb 06 June 1945 vol 411 cc894-5W
Major Conant

asked the Minister of Information whether, in view of the large number of people whose relations are fighting in the Far East or are prisoners of war in the hands of the Japanese, he will ensure that the fullest possible accounts of the progress of the Japanese war are given to the B.B.C. and to the Press.

Mr. Lloyd

The Ministry of Information does not, of course, control the source of information about the war in the Far East. But I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that they are doing everything in their power to ensure that the best possible supply of news is available to the B.B.C. and to the Press.

Mr. E. P. Smith

asked the Minister of Information whether he is aware that the relegation of the Japanese war to second and third place in the B.B.C. news broadcasts is causing the public to minimise the importance of the Far Eastern conflict; and will be take steps to remedy this.

Mr. Lloyd

The order in which items of news are given in B.B.C. news bulletins is, of course, a matter for the discretion of the editors. The B.B.C. cannot themselves control the flow of news from the Far East; but I think it is fair to them to say that they have for a long time been alive to the importance of giving every attention to the Far Eastern war and have worked hard to do their share.