28. Lieut.-Colonel Schofieldasked the Assistant Postmaster-General to require the British Broadcasting Corporation to refrain at all times from sending, either by visual image or sound, any matter which will damage one industry as against another.
§ Mr. GammansThe policy of successive Governments has been to preserve the B.B.C.'s independence in programme matters, and I have no reason to doubt that the Corporation will continue to act impartially in this as in other matters. If my hon. and gallant Friend should wish to pursue the matter, I would suggest that he do so direct with the Corporation.
Lieut.-Colonel SchofieldIs my hon. Friend aware that a recent demonstration on the television showed a new synthetic textile fibre emerging undamaged from an acid bath, whereas cotton fabrics were shown disintegrating; is he further aware that this was deeply resented by the cotton industry; and that there was deliberate advertisement of a proprietary fabric, the name of which was mentioned in the demonstration?
§ Mr. GammansI have seen the Press comments of the broadcast to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. I would urge him to make his representations to the B.B.C. if he feels strongly on the matter.
§ Mr. MellishWill the hon. Gentleman at the same time also take up the question of the denigrating remarks made by this Government against the British Transport Commission?