Oral Answers to Questions — Ministerial Broadcasts

– in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 25 October 1956.

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Photo of Mr Willie Hamilton Mr Willie Hamilton , Fife West 12:00, 25 October 1956

asked the Prime Minister how many broadcasts he has made in his official capacity in the last three months ; how many such broadcasts have been made by other Cabinet Ministers in the same period ; and what were the subjects covered by such talks.

Photo of Mr Anthony Eden Mr Anthony Eden , Warwick and Leamington

Apart from news interviews, I have made one broadcast on the Suez Canal situation. My right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary has also made one on the same subject and one on the occasion of United Nations Day. He has also taken part in a discussion programme.

Photo of Mr Willie Hamilton Mr Willie Hamilton , Fife West

Can the right hon. Gentleman say with whom the initiative lies in effecting these broadcasts? Secondly, will these talks count as party political broadcasts, because there is—[HON. MEMBERS : "Oh."]—indeed there-is—a feeling in the country that they have been used for that end. Is he aware that if this abuse of the B.B.C. continues the Government are playing with fire?

Photo of Mr Anthony Eden Mr Anthony Eden , Warwick and Leamington

I hardly think so. The answer to the hon. Gentleman has enabled him to elicit how few broadcasts there have been. Of course, there are opportunities—and rightly so—for hon. Members opposite also to indulge in these practices if they feel that they have to. As to who originates the suggestion, it is sometimes from one quarter and sometimes from another. I can only assure the hon. Gentleman that I never originate it myself if I can possibly help it.

Photo of Mr Arthur Woodburn Mr Arthur Woodburn , Clackmannan and East Stirlingshire

I take it that this also includes television broadcasts. Is the Prime Minister aware that they sounded, more like apologies than statements?

Photo of Mr Anthony Eden Mr Anthony Eden , Warwick and Leamington

I should be ruled out of order by you. Mr. Speaker, if I expressed an opinion in this matter.

Photo of Mr Frederick Bellenger Mr Frederick Bellenger , Bassetlaw

Does the Prime Minister consider himself and his colleagues bound by the 14-day rule in such talks as much as any other hon. Member of this House?

Photo of Mr Anthony Eden Mr Anthony Eden , Warwick and Leamington

Ministerial broadcasts, from whatever party, are happily exempt.