BRITISH BROADCASTING

Evening Star, Issue 22526, 19 December 1936, Page 17

BRITISH BROADCASTING

THE LAMBERT CASE DISCUSSION IN HOUSE OF COMMONS Press Association— By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, December 17. Tu expectation of hearing criticism of tliu Archbishop of Canterbury’s broadcast, with its reference to King Edward’s social circle, the House of Commons was crowded for the debate on the report on tho Lambert case. This case raised questions of internal administration of the headquarters of the British Broadcasting Corporation, which were mainly of domestic interest. Profesor H. B. Lees Smith (Lab.) said that his friends in tho corporation warned him that he must not telephone because tho telephones wore tapped. MrG. C. Tryon, Postmaaster-Goneral, dealt with tho corporation’s now charter, which will operate for ton years from January ], increasing tho number of governors from five to- seven. He announced that tho two new governors will be Sir lan Eraser and Mr J, J. Malkin. Mr H. Graham White (Lab.) stressed the importance of strengthening Empire broad oasts with a view to efficient programmes in English from foreign countries. The first mention of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s broadcast was made by Mr R. T. Fletcher (Lab.), who said that bo had been informed that Sir John Keith participated in that commination ceremony. “If so, I can only say that America has with relief seen the end of its radio priest. If here the duties of radio priest and director arc to he combined, I think we are in for a remarkable future indeed.” > . . . The debate meandered into trivialities and criticism of crooners and Sunday programmes. Sir Walter Womersley denied that telephone conversations had been tapped, and added that the staff was being encouraged to organise staff associations. He said the affairs of the corporation could be discussed again on the Estimates, after which a muchheralded debate fizzled out. Sir lan Fraser, the blind member of the House of Commons, commenting on his appointment, said: “I shall regret giving up my seat in tho House of Commons, but will continue to work for blinded and other servicemen.” Mr Mallon is Warden of Toynbee Hall, the famous East End social and education institution. [A message published yesterday stated that Mr R. S. Lambert, editor of the 8.8.C.’s weekly publication, had been awarded substantial damages against Sir Cecil Levita, a former chairman of the London County Council.]