BBC Under Fire In Parliament

Northern Advocate, 25 June 1946, Page 5

BBC Under Fire In Parliament

(Special. 11 a.m.) LONDON. June 24. The BBC Charter is likely to be strenuously debated when it comes before the House of Commons this week.

It is 10 years since the Corpoi’ation's Charter was last examined by the Ullswater Committee and. during that period, great changes have occurred in its scope and responsibilities. Chief of these is the advent of television and the enormous increase in overseas broadcasting. The chief issue before the House of Commons undoubtedly is the nature and control of the corporation. Although it is felt in many quarters that there should be closer contact between Parliament and the BBC. there is certain to be strong resistance by the Opposition of any suggestion of increased Government domination. INCREASED FEES

From the point of view' of the ordinary listener, the most important matter is increased licence fees, which were doubled earlier in the year without, it is contended by many critics, a commensurate improvement in services or programmes.

In addition, there has been a demand from Labour back benchers for a more "democratic" -administration within the organisation itself and the feeling is expressed from both sides of the House that increasing expenditure by the corporation should be discussed.

Whatever the result of the Opposition's demand for a debate on the charter and its reference to the select committee, it is certain the debate will provide opportunities for members ol' both sides of the House to ventilate a number of current criticisms on the operation of Britain's broadcasting services.