HC Deb 13 May 1953 vol 515 cc1225-7
16. Sir R. Grimston

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General if he is aware that the British Broadcasting Corporation is departing from its obligatory impartiality by presenting in its programmes and publications only those views opposed to sponsored and/or commercial television; and, as this matter has become a party political issue, if he will consider what remedial action should be taken.

Mr. Gammans

I am not aware that the B.B.C. has acted partially in this matter, but if my hon. Friend has any evidence on the point I shall be glad to consider it.

Sir R. Grimston

Will my hon. Friend confirm that in a matter of a party political controversy, which this question of commercial television is, the B.B.C. must not broadcast or publish a view of its own; and further, that if it does publish the views of anybody else, either in its broadcasts or publications, it must publish both sides with impartiality?

Mr. Gammans

Yes, Sir, that is correct.

Mr. Callaghan

Does the Assistant Postmaster-General know that the last time I was invited to take part in a B.B.C. programme the suggested discussion with a Conservative was sponsored television, but we had to call it off, because the Conservative Member concerned was not in favour of sponsored television?

Later—

Mr. Braine

On a point of order. I seek your guidance, Mr. Speaker, on a point of order which concerns Questions. I was not in my place at the beginning of Question time today, but I have been advised that during Question time the hon. Member for Cardiff, South-East (Mr. Callaghan) alleged that when he last appeared on television a Conservative hon. Member refused to discuss sponsored television on the ground that the said Conservative hon. Member was against sponsored television.

I do not wish to raise the rights or wrongs of an hon. Member of this House discussing private conversations with a B.B.C. producer, but if the allegation applies to me, and I did appear with the hon. Gentleman in his last television programme, it attributes bad faith to me in that I voted in this House for sponsored television. I would like your guidance as to whether I can put it on record that I did not decline to discuss this question because of lack of faith in sponsored T.V. Any assertion to the contrary is quite untrue and I would ask the hon. Member for Cardiff, South-East to withdraw it.

Mr. Callaghan

The hon. Gentleman was not in his place, but it will be within your recollection, Mr. Speaker, that the supplementary question I asked was to this effect: "Whether the Assistant Postmaster-General was aware that on the last occasion when I was asked to have a discussion"—but not on the television or on the radio. I purposely did not identify the hon. Gentleman, and I did not indicate whether this was in connection with television or sound radio; not did I say that the broadcast actually took place. I said that the subject had to be dropped. There was nothing to be concluded from what I said, until the hon. Gentleman chose to wear the cap, whether it was he that was concerned or whether in fact the discussion actually took place.

As the hon. Gentleman now chooses to identify himself, let me say at once that it is quite true that the occasion in question, which would not have been known had not the hon. Gentleman made this intervention, was when we both appeared together on television last time. If he now asserts that he is in favour of sponsored television, I certainly accept that. We must take it up in another place. It would be wrong for me not to. I assure the hon. Gentleman that when he reads HANSARD he will agree with me that there was no way of identifying him in this connection.

Mr. Speaker

I heard the supplementary question asked, and I do not think anyone was identified by it. I hope that the hon. Members will contrive to clear this matter up between themselves.

Mr. Braine

With very great respect, Mr. Speaker, surely when vague allegations are thrown out in this fashion and advantage is taken of the Privilege of this place to make a charge which is, when it appears in black and white, one of bad faith, the hon. Gentleman who makes the charge should have the good grace to withdraw it when an explanation is afforded?

Mr. Speaker

I cannot take that view. I heard no charge made against the hon. Gentleman, and for my part I should not have thought that he was connected with this matter at all. Points of order regarding charges of this sort must be supported more specifically than that. I hope that the hon. Gentlemen will come to an understanding about this matter and clear it up. I cannot allow the time of the House to be occupied any further with it.

Mr. Callaghan

I certainly accept what the hon. Gentleman says about commercial television, and I put it on record that the reason why we had the discussion was that I understood that the hon. Gentleman did not support the priniciple of commercial television.

Mr. Speaker

There is nothing in that. Perhaps the hon. Member for Cardiff, South-East was misinformed.