METHODS AT B.B.C.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 18, 19 December 1936, Page 9

METHODS AT 8.8. C.

DEBATE IN COMMONS. LONDON, Dec. 17. In the expectation of bearing some criticism of the 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 the Lambert case. This case raised questions of the internal administration of the headquarters of tho British Broadcasting Corporation, which mainly are of domestic interest.

lit. Hon. 11. B. Lees Smith (Labdur) said his friends in the corporation had warned him that he must not telephone because the telephones were tapped. Tlie Postmaster-General (Rt. Hon. G. C. Tryon) dealt with the corporation’s new charter, operating for ten years from January 1, increasing the numbers of governors from five to seven. He announced that the two new governors will be Sir lan Fraser and Mr J. J. Mallon.

Sir lan Fraser, commenting on his appointment, said: “I shall regret giving up my seat in . tlie House of Commons, but I shall continue to work for blinded and other ex-service men.” Mr Graham-White (Liberal) stressed the importance of strengthening tho Empire broadcasts in view of tlie efficient programmes in English from foreign countries. Tho first mention of the. Archbishop of Canterbury’s broadcast was made by Mr H. T. Fletcher (Labour) who said he had been informed that Sir John Reith (Director) participated in that ceremony. “If so, 1 can only say that America with relief lias seen the end of its ‘radio priest:’ If here the duty of radio priest and director aro to be combined 1 think we are in for a remarkable future indeed!” The debate meandered into trivialities—criticism of crooners and Sunday programmes. . Sir W. J. Womerslcy (Con.) denied that telephone conversations were tapped. Flo added that the staff were beencouraged to organise staff associations. The affairs of the corporation could be discussed again on the estimates. Thus the much-lieralded debate fizzled out.