LIME GROVE CHUCHUNDRA
If the BBC should think of adopting an animal for its ,ymbol, an appropriate choice would be Chuchundra, the nusk-rat in Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, who was always too timid to come out into the open. The topic of the rail strike had filled the newspapers for weeks, and it was monopolising conversa- tion even to the temporary exclusion of the prospects for the third round of the Cup. But the BBC, 'pursuing its policy on matters which might be considered sub judic'e,' refused to allow the subject to be discussed on TV. 'Might be considered'? By whom? Presumably the original decision was taken by some Lime Grove Chuchundra, infected by the alarm that comes over BBC officialdom at the prospect of live issues being debated 'live.' Sound radio had a different interpretation; the subject of the railways was debated, albeit cautiously, in `Any Questions' on the same day. Messrs. Callaghan and Foot were right to protest; but their decision not to take part in the programme focused publicity on them rather than on the issue, thereby spoiling the effect for everybody except Messrs. Callaghan and Foot.
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