HC Deb 21 December 1955 vol 547 cc2013-5
29. Mr. Allaun

asked the Postmaster-General if, in view of the delay in obtaining agreement between the British Broadcasting Corporation and the Independent Television Authority about televising events of national interest, he will issue regulations under Section 7 of the Television Act, 1954, so that Parliament can decide the issue.

Dr. Hill

I would prefer the two broadcasting authorities to reach a voluntary agreement in this matter and I therefore propose to await the outcome of the discussions now proceeding between them.

Mr. Allaun

Is the Postmaster-General aware that a British commercial programme company has applied for the exclusive rights to televise next year's Olympic Games? Will he, in the interests of fair play, allow Parliament to decide when these rights should be shared with the B.B.C., which alone can provide nation-wide coverage?

Dr. Hill

That supplementary question is the subject of a separate and later Question on the Order Paper. In general I would say that I prefer voluntary agreement to be reached on this matter rather than make regulations.

30. Mr. Allaun

asked the Postmaster-General why he invited the Director-General of the British Broadcasting Corporation and the Director-General of the Independent Television Authority to meet him on 14th November to discuss the televising of Test matches.

Dr. Hill

To receive a first-hand report of progress on the talks between them about the televising of sporting events of national interest. The meeting was on 11th November.

Mr. Allaun

Does the Postmaster-General appreciate how widely he has created the impression that he has intervened on behalf of commercial interests when public enterprise has clearly won the day? Does his action in this instance not sharply contrast with his failure to intervene in the case of the Olympic Games, to which I have just referred?

Dr. Hill

The hon. Member is most unfair on the subject of the Olympic Games, as he will see when I subsequently answer the Question to which I referred. The position was that last August I asked the two broadcasting bodies to get together to discuss an appropriate list of themes for non-exclusive showing to be presented to me. While these discussions were proceeding, I read that an exclusive arrangement had been entered into, and so I invited the bodies concerned to come and explain to me the progress of the discussions. In fact, it was found that it was not an exclusive arrangement which had been entered into, but I really must be free in such matters to meet the two bodies and discuss problems arising.

Mr. Gower

Is it not desirable that Test matches should be transmitted on the B.B.C. television service, the I.T.A., in broadcasts in sound, and, indeed, through all other available media?

Dr. Hill

The appropriate Section of the Television Act contemplates a number of events of national interest—sporting and others—which shall not be the subject of exclusive showing. I am seeking, with good will and common sense, to reach an agreement with the bodies on the subject.

Mr. Ness Edwards

Is the Postmaster-General not aware of the fact that he has given the impression that he showed great and indecent haste in protecting commercial television on this occasion? As this matter has been hanging about for quite six months, ought he not, in an objective way, himself to decide what regulations shall be agreed and what instructions shall be carried out in relation to the non-monopoly of these events of national interest?

Dr. Hill

That suggestion comes oddly when on the Order Paper today there are invitations to me to intervene by making regulations. I am seeking to act fairly between the two bodies. The suggestion of intervention in protection of one body against the other is unfounded. As for the time, I hope shortly to receive some agreed suggestions from the two bodies.

Mr. Edwards

Does that mean that the Postmaster-General will report to the House the nature of that agreement, and seek its approval?

Dr. Hill

In one form or another, yes.

Mr. Gordon Walker

Will not the effect of the Postmaster-General's intervention be that there will be no variety and no competition and that all these stations will be broadcasting the same programmes at the same time, whereas if the B.B.C. had a second programme, there would be real variety for the viewers?

Dr. Hill

I am carrying out the terms of the Television Act.