HC Deb 24 October 1956 vol 558 c642
47. Mr. Rankin

asked the Postmaster-General what control he now exercises over the type of film shown by the British Broadcasting Corporation on television programmes.

The Assistant Postmaster-General (Mr. C. J. M. Alport)

None, Sir.

Mr. Rankin

Is the Minister aware that in a film shown on television at the beginning of the summer, dealing with life in the Kalahari Desert, a close-up was shown of a spear being inserted into the heart of a hunted animal, of the spear being twisted and then withdrawn, and the dying agonies of the animal were shown very vividly indeed? Does the Minister—

Mr. Speaker

There is nothing about that in the Question. The hon. Member has not given any notice of that.

Mr. Rankin

I could not get the supplementary question in as a Question, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker

If it was out of order as a Question, it is equally out of order as a supplementary question.

Mr. Rankin

It seemed to me that the supplementary question arose from the type of control that the Minister might have over the showing of these films.

Mr. Speaker

If he has no control, nothing can arise from it.

Mr. Rankin

In view of the Minister's unsatisfactory answer to the Question which I have put, I will raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.