HC Deb 03 November 1954 vol 532 c371
17. Mr. Ness Edwards

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General what transmission times have been laid down by him for commercial television.

Mr. Gammans

None, Sir, as yet.

Mr. Ness Edwards

Do we take it that contracts are now being given for unspecified times? How can the I.T.A. do its job properly and get something which is not a "phoney" contract if it is not known for what period commercial television is to be allowed?

Mr. Gammans

It is no concern of mine, but I assume that offers of contracts have been made on certain assumptions, and those assumptions are those drawn by programme contractors.

Mr. Ness Edwards

Can we be told what assumptions have been made by the I.T.A., and whether the I.T.A. made them only after consultation with the Minister?

Mr. Gammans

As I have told the House, there have been no consultations as yet with my noble Friend.