22.
asked the Minister of Information the policy of the British Broadcasting Corporation with reference to the employment of members of the Government as participants in such entertainment and educational features as the Brains Trust?
Use of the broadcast for Ministerial utterances is arranged between the Prime Minister and his colleagues. In practice the Prime Minister is consulted in all cases of political importance. Entertainment features stand in a different category, but it is unlikely that Ministerial participation in the Brains Trust discussions will be resumed.
While I appreciate the valuable contributions made by those Ministers who have done this work, is the Minister aware that there is a strong body of opinion which feels that it is inconsistent with the position of Ministers to participate in engagements of this kind? Will he give consideration to the question of dropping the practice?
I have said it is unlikely that Ministerial participation in the Brains Trust discussions will be resumed.