asked the Minister of Information what steps are being taken to reduce the monitoring service of the B.B.C.

The present scale of the B.B.C. monitoring service is principally due to the demands of the Service and other Government Departments. We intend to make reductions and their scope is now being considered.

Will not the abolition of German broadcasting mean that the German side of this service can be reduced forthwith?

I think that is largely so.

Is it possible for the right hon. Gentleman, now that he is Minister of Information, to remove the prejudice of the B.B.C. staff against minority opinion in this country?

Will the Minister consider the question of the "News Digest," and take no steps which will interfere with the monitoring necessary for the preparation of that invaluable document?

Yes, Sir.

Is it not a fact that the situation in Germany, and the need for re-educating Germany, is a reason for extending and not cutting down the German monitoring?

I think the hon. Member is mistaken. It is not the German services that are concerned, but the monitoring services.