§ 64. Major Beamishasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the foreign broadcasts of the B.B.C. are the only effective means of explaining British foreign policy to the peoples, as distinct from the Governments, of countries in Europe where a rigid censorship has been imposed; whether he is satisfied that the machinery for liaison between the Foreign Office and the B.B.C., laid down in Article IV (5) of the Licence and Agreement is satisfactory; and whether His Majesty's Government, in co-operation with the B.B.C., is considering ways and means by which these foreign broadcasts may achieve the maximum effect possible while still maintaining the full independence of the B.B.C.
Mr. McNeilMy right hon. Friend is fully aware of the great value of the Overseas Services of the B.B.C. in explaining British foreign policy to the people of countries where there is a rigid censorship. He is also satisfied that the machinery for liaison between the Foreign Office and the B.B.C. is adequate and effective. The answer to the third part of the Question is, "Yes."
§ 72. Mr. F. Noel-Bakerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has completed his investigation into the charges of left-wing bias in the European Service of the B.B.C.; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. McNeilI have not found evidence to support the charge of left-wing bias on the part of the European Service of the B.B.C. From time to time the B.B.C. is criticised because of programmes which are said to show either a left-wing or a right-wing bias. This suggests that a fair 7W balance is being preserved. If broadcast programmes are to continue to be lively and interesting I believe that it is essential that different points of view should be expressed; and the B.B.C., which is responsible for the content of its own programmes, is in my view fulfilling its obligation to provide a service in the national interest.