Oral Answers to Questions — Freedom of Information (Conference Resolution)

– in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 28 April 1948.

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Photo of Sir Waldron Smithers Sir Waldron Smithers , Orpington 12:00, 28 April 1948

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the monopoly status of the B.B.C. was the sole reason for his disagreement with the U.S. resolution at the United Nations Conference on Freedom of Information; and what instructions he sent to the British representative on the matter.

Photo of Mr Ernest Bevin Mr Ernest Bevin , Wandsworth Central

The fact that the United Kingdom Delegation introduced an amendment to the United States resolution on general principles does not mean that they disagreed with the resolution as a whole. The amendment was carried, and the amended resolution had the full support of our Delegation. The Delegation had general instructions to bear in mind the status of the B.B.C. under its licence and Charter.

Photo of Sir Waldron Smithers Sir Waldron Smithers , Orpington

Would the right hon. Gentleman be so good as to receive a deputation consisting of Lord Craigavon and Captain Rolleston, of the Royal Navy, as representing the Listeners' Association, so that they may explain to the right hon. Gentleman the dangers of the B.B.C. monopoly and the need for a purge within its ranks?

Photo of Mr Ernest Bevin Mr Ernest Bevin , Wandsworth Central

I do not think that a deputation of that character would be welcome at the Foreign Office.