§ 14. Mr. BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what representations he has received concerning the operation of the Independent Television Commission.
§ Mr. BrookeThis year, I have received five representations from four hon. Members about various aspects of the ITC's activities.
§ Mr. BarnesI do not know whether any of those representations backed the ITC's position on "News at Ten". I hope that the Minister will support that position and that adopted by the National Heritage Select Committee, which wants the programme to remain at 10 o'clock, so that political news—including 10 o'clock votes from this House—sports news, news from America and hard-hitting news generally can be properly dealt with. We need news at ten, not nudes at ten.
§ Mr. BrookeThe obligation of the Channel 3 companies is
simultaneously to broadcast high quality news programmes dealing with national and international matters at peak viewing times".The hon. Gentleman has drawn the attention of the House to the action of the chairman of the ITC, who will be awaiting a response from the Channel 3 companies.