§ 2.35 p.m.
§ LORD AMMONMy Lords, I beg to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether their attention has been drawn to the action of the B.B.C. on Saturday, August 23, which, without previous notice, gave the starting prices of horse races over the British Broadcasting services; and whether this meets with their approval.]
§ LORD CHESHAMMy Lords, the matter to which the noble Lord refers is one of programme content. It is the policy of Her Majesty's Government, as it has been of successive Governments in the past, to give the B.B.C. independence in the conduct of its day-to-day affairs, which of course includes its programmes.
§ LORD AMMONMy Lords, is it not usual, when a new feature is being introduced, that notice should be given? It was not given in this case, and certain members of the Press called attention to that fact the very next day.
§ LORD CHESHAMIt is not the usual practice, so far as I am aware. It strikes me personally as merely an extension of news reporting.
§ LORD AMMONExactly. Is this not another case of Gresham's Law applying in morals and public conduct, as in economics?
§ LORD CHESHAMMy Lords, I will stick to my point that, apart from the matter being one of the B.B.C.'s own responsibility, it seems to me to be a question purely of news reporting of something which is happening.
§ LORD AMMONBut surely Parliament has some control over a matter of 140 such public importance and over an institution which is under the control of Parliament? Not long ago, when we debated in this House the setting up of a rival organisation, it was suggested that it would be likely to cause the B.B.C. to deteriorate, and that was regarded as a danger in itself.
§ LORD CHESHAMMy Lords, it seems to me, if I may say so to the noble Lord with all respect, that the B.B.C. have done something which he personally thinks is wrong; and if I may with further respect say so to the noble Lord, he should address himself to the B.B.C. on this matter.
VISCOUNT ELIBANKMy Lords, may I ask the noble Lord this supplementary with reference to the subject matter of this Question? Is he aware that many people in this country can see no difference at all between backing a horse or a greyhound, on the one hand, and trying to win a fortune on football pools or gambling upon a rise on the Stock Exchange, on the other? Is it not perfectly clear that many people in this country congratulate the B.B.C. on having adopted the sensible practice of quoting the odds as well as announcing the results?