§ 14. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether he can now state the number and identity of the applications he has received for permission to provide sponsored television programmes.
§ Mr. GammansThirty-four inquiries have now been received about licences to operate commercial television stations, and 24 about time for sponsored television programmes. For the reasons given in my answer to the hon. Member for Greenwich (Mr. Reeves) on 26th November, I cannot reveal the identity of those concerned.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIs there any reason why there should be this shamefaced secrecy about the identity of those who want to introduce sponsored television? In the light of that reply, is it not correct to assume that there is no intention to introduce sponsored television in this country during the lifetime of the present Government?
§ Mr. GammansThere is no shamefaced secrecy at all. The interests concerned have written to the Post Office and it would be a breach of faith if their names were revealed over what is a purely business arrangement.
§ 18. Sir I. Fraserasked the Assistant Postmaster-General what progress is being made in carrying out Her Majesty's Government's policy of encouraging the establishment of an independent competitive television network.
§ Mr. GammansAs a first step my noble Friend has asked the Television Advisory Committee to consider which frequency bands could be used for competitive television stations.
§ Sir I. FraserCan my hon. Friend give an assurance that the determined policy of the Government, as approved by this House, has not been frustrated by delays in the Television Advisory Committee, in the B.B.C. or in his Department, and that every encouragement is being given to this fruitful and interesting enterprise?
§ Mr. GammansI assure my hon. Friend and the House that the policy laid down in the Government White Paper is still in force.
§ Mr. G. R. HowardCan my hon. Friend say whether, if they are allowed to set up this network, these private firms will be able to provide coverage in the fringe areas not served by the B.B.C.?
§ Mr. GammansI think that the hon. Gentleman is asking a detailed question which goes rather beyond the general Question put by my hon. Friend the Member for Morecambe and Lonsdale (Sir I. Fraser).
§ Mr. MayhewIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in the meanwhile B.B.C. officials are being propositioned by commercial interests and that the effect of the policy of the Government, whatever the intention, is to undermine the British system of broadcasting and replace it with a pernicious American system?
§ Mr. GammansI am not responsible for what happens to B.B.C. officials. If I may say so, it is slightly improper for the hon. Gentleman to mention in public what they have told him privately.
§ Mr. MayhewOn a point of order. Perhaps I might be allowed to ask the hon. Gentleman whether he is not aware that I was quoting facts published in a newspaper.