asked the Minister of Information whether he has now assumed full responsibility for all the activities of the British Broadcasting Corporation in so far as they are connected with the war effort?

asked the Minister of Information whether any single Minister or body now exercises control over the British Broadcasting Corporation; who is responsible for the selection of political speakers, other than Ministers, over the microphone; whether the Parliamentary reports are edited or censored or Ministerially approved, and, if so, by whom; and to what extent the Governors now exercise authority?

The B.B.C. accepts the direction of the Ministry of Information in all matters affecting the national effort, except that, as the Prime Minister has stated in the House, propaganda to enemy and enemy-occupied territories is now controlled by a joint Ministerial Committee working through an executive body. Political speakers do not broadcast except with the approval of the Ministry of Information. The B.B.C.'s Parliamentary reports are edited by their news staff under the general supervision of the Ministry. The Board of Governors continue to exercise authority over the Corporation's affairs within the limitations that I have stated.

Does that mean, shortly, that the Governors of the B.B.C. are no longer responsible for any part of the B.B.C.'s activities connected with the war? Is that the result of the Minister's answer?

I think the hon. Member may assume that is what is intended by my answer.

On a point of Order. Is it quite satisfactory for the Minister to answer two Questions, one of which is of an omnibus character and lends itself to a similar reply, and the other of which is of a precise character calling for a precise answer? May I have a precise answer to that part of my Question which asks whether Parliamentary reports are edited or censored or Ministerially approved, and if so, by whom?

As was stated in my answer, these reports are edited by the news staff of the B.B.C. under the general supervision of the Ministry of Information.

Is not that just the vague type of answer of which I was respectfully complaining? Are they Ministerially approved, and if so, by whom?

We have a link with the B.B.C, and if there is anything which our officer thinks is wrong about the way in which the news is presented, he draws the attention of the Ministry of Information to it, and in that way we exercise supervision.

Do the Government interfere with the presentation of the speeches made in this House as reported by the B.B.C?

I would like to have notice of that Question.

Does the Minister mean by his answer to the original Question that the Government have in fact taken over the B.B.C. to an enormous extent, and if that be so, am I right in assuming that questions concerning the B.B.C. should now be put to the Minister of Information?

My answer stated that in all matters affecting national policy the Ministry of Information are responsible and not the B.B.C.

Will my hon. Friend take into consideration the advisability of putting on to this work some of those very capable Russians who are doing it for their country?

asked the Minister of Information why the British Broadcasting Corporation advertise for young female clerks and typists when all employers are being urged to replace young with older women; and why such appointments are not filled through the Ministry of Labour?

I am informed that the B.B.C. does not advertise for "young female clerks and typists"; that a minimum age only is stipulated and the fullest consideration is given to older women; and that the Corporation only advertises in cases where the Ministry of Labour is unable to supply the Corporation's needs.

Has the Minister seen the advertisements which have appeared, I think in the "Times" and other newspapers, and if not, will he look at them and reconsider his answer?

Certainly, I will take pleasure in looking at the advertisements.

Will the Minister also look at the answer given to me about a month ago regarding a certain town in the Midlands, the name of which for obvious reasons was not given, and take note of the very large proportion of Young men and young women of military age employed by the B.B.C?

That does not arise out of the Question.