MUCH-HERALDED DEBATE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 19 December 1936, Page 9

MUCH-HERALDED DEBATE

EXPECTATIONS NOT REALISED SOLE MENTION OF PRIMATE’S BROADCAST RADIO PRIEST-DIRECTOR (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, 17th December. In expectation of hearing criticism of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s broadcast with its reference to exKing 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 the British Erc-?.d-casting Corporation, which are mainly of domestic interest.

Mr H. B. Lees Smith (Labour), said his friends in the Corporation warned him that he must not telephone because the telephones were tapped. Mr G. C. Tryon (C.) dealt with the Corporation’s new charter operating for ten years from Ist January, increasing the number of governors from 5 to 7. He announced that the two new governors will be Sir lan Fraser and Mr J. J. Mallon. Sir lan Fraser, who is a blind member of the House of Commons, and chairman of the Executive Council of St. Dunstan’s, commenting, said: “I shall regret giving up my seat in the House of Commons, but will continue my work for blinded and other servicemen.

Mr Mallon is of Toynbee Hall, which is a famous East End social and educational institution. He is honorary secretary of the Trade Boards Advisory Council, and honorary treasurer of the Workers’ Educational Association. Mr H. Graham White (L.) stressed the importance of strengthening the Empire broadcasts in view of the efficient programmes in English from foreign countries.

The first mention of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s broadcast was made by Sir E. Fletchei, who said he had been informed that Sir John Reith, Director-General of the British Broadcasting Corporation, participated in that commination ceremony. “If so, I can only say that America with relief has seen the end of its radio priest. If here the duty of radio priest and director are to be combined, I think we are in for a remarkable future indeed”

The debate meandered into trivialities such as criticism of crooner and Sunday programmes Sir W. J. Womersley (C.) denied that the telephone conversations were tapped. He added that the staff was being encouraged to organise staff associations. The affairs of the Corporation could be discussed again on the Estimates, after which the muchheralded debate fizzled out.