§ 5. Mr. Ness Edwardsasked the Postmaster-General what representations he has made to the Independent Television Authority about the large money prizes now being distributed by programme contractors on commercial television.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsDo I take it from that reply that the Postmaster-General takes such a poor view of his obligations to this House now that when the Act has been breached in two types of programme he takes no action at all? Is the Minister not aware that undertakings have been given by the Government that no prizes of significant value would be allowed, yet that is happening on at least four programmes and is planned for others? Is he not going to take action to protect this House?
§ Mr. ThompsonThe remarks of the right hon. Gentleman may be based on misapprehension and misreading of Section 3 (3) of the Act, which requires the Authority to avoid giving substantial or significant prizes to viewers of television programmes, and not to those taking part in them. So far that provision has not been offended against.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsIs not the hon. Gentleman aware that on 20th January one advertisement provided for the giving away of chairs to viewers and that another one is planned for next week, and that that type of prize-giving is entirely different from the one which has been discussed in this House before?
§ Mr. ThompsonYes, Sir, but any programme of that kind which appeared to offend against the provision of the subsection would certainly be drawn to the attention of my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. D. JonesIs the hon. Gentleman now saying that anybody who appears on television and wins a substantial prize must not thereafter be a viewer?