154. Mr. C. I. Orr-Ewingasked the Postmaster-General whether he has instructed the British Broadcasting Corporation to draw up a detailed plan for improving the signal strength of their foreign broadcasts.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsIn accordance with the terms of its Licence and Agreement the Corporation is required to send overseas programmes to such countries as are prescribed by the appropriate Department of His Majesty's Government. The standard of reception is kept under constant review by the prescribing Departments in collaboration with the B.B.C. and adjustments are made from time to time to make the coverage as effective as is practicable.
§ 159. Mr. Marloweasked the Postmaster-General upon what principles he acts when deciding whether to make representations to the British Broadcasting Corporation as to the nature and content of any particular broadcast play or propaganda material.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsIt has been the policy of successive Governments that the B.B.C. shall be allowed, in peace-time, complete independence in the day to day management of its buisiness. The preparation of programmes is entirely within the discretion of the Corporation.