HC Deb 27 January 1954 vol 522 cc1723-5
2. Mr. E. Fletcher

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General what discussions he has had with applicants for television transmission licences with regard to the terms on which such licences are to be granted.

35. Mr. G. Longden

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General to give an assurance that, under the Government's scheme for competitive television, a prospective programme company need not wait until the new corporation is set up before it can obtain information about the prospects and conditions of a contract with the corporation.

The Assistant Postmaster-General (Mr. David Gammans)

While the terms and conditions of such a contract will, of course, be a matter for the new corporation when it is set up, my noble Friend would be glad to have preliminary talks with any individuals or bodies who are thinking of entering this field. He has, in fact, already met a few of them.

Mr. Fletcher

Can the Minister tell us who are the few with whom he has had discussions, because this is a matter of great public interest? Is Lord Beaver-brook and the "Express" group one of those interests with whom talks have taken place? Is it intended that such a company should be able to have news programmes as well as other programmes?

Mr. Gammans

For the reasons I gave to the House a short time ago, it would not be proper for me at this stage to give names.

Hon. Members

Why not?

Mr. Ness Edwards

Is the Minister not aware that a Bill is to come before the House in which all the terms and conditions are to be laid down? Is it not highly improper to have these secret talks with interested parties before this House is given an opportunity of discussing the matter?

Mr. Gammans

I did not say secret discussions. They are not secret in the real sense of the word; they are confidential discussions.

Mr. Ness Edwards

If they are not secret, will the hon. Gentleman disclose the names of the people with whom he has had discussions?

Mr. Gammans

No, Sir. For the reasons I have already given to the House, I am not prepared, while discussing the matter with them, to give any names at all.

4 and 14. Mr. Mayhew

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General (1) whether he proposes to permit news programmes and political programmes on commercial television; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure a fair balance of political opinion on the boards of programme companies;

(2) how far he intends to prevent advertisers from influencing commercial television programme; and whether he will prevent directors of companies which advertise on television from being directors of television programme companies.

Mr. Gammans

I would ask the hon. Members to await the publication of the Television Bill.

Mr. Mayhew

Meanwhile, may I ask the Minister to give a general assurance that he is not going to grant licences to groups of Conservative Party supporters?

Mr. Gammans

At this stage, I am not prepared to give any assurances that I have not already given to the House.

Mr. H. Morrison

Does the Assistant Postmaster-General realise that this is really an extraordinary attitude? Surely, it is elementary that the Government will have a responsibility to secure absolute political impartiality? [An Hon. Member: "Why?"] For the purpose of the record, let the Minister note that one of his own supporters asks "Why?" Surely, it is elementary that he must guarantee political impartiality? May I ask the Assistant Postmaster-General why, instead of going on with this silly business, he does not concentrate on protecting the mailbags in the interests of the public?

Mr. Gammans

A guarantee has already been given to this House that strict impartiality will be maintained.

20. Sir I. Fraser

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General what steps his Department are taking to ensure that, when parliamentary approval is obtained for the institution of a system of commercial television, the necessary transmitters, lines and other equipment will be swiftly available.

Mr. Gammans

While, in general, final decisions will have to await the setting up of the new corporation, I can assure my hon. Friend that we shall do our best—within our statutory powers—to help the corporation to get off to a good start, and, to that end, we propose to maintain continuous contact with the radio industry on the many problems involved.

Sir I. Fraser

My hon. Friend says "We shall do our best," and that they propose this and that. What is he doing now, because, unless these transmitters are ordered straight away and the trade are informed in good time, we shall never get the system going in time?

Mr. Gammans

We cannot order transmitters in advance of the authority of this House.