Sound Broadcasting (Hansard, 15 May 1957)

§ 20. Mr. Ness Edwards
asked the Postmaster-General if he will make a statement on Government policy relating to the introduction of commercial sound broadcasting.

§ 30. Mr. G. Darling
asked the Postmaster-General his policy with regard to the licensing of commercial radio stations to compete with the British Broadcasting Corporation in the field of sound broadcasting.

§ Mr. Marples
The introduction of commercial sound broadcasting would be a major change in policy. The Government have no such proposal in mind.

§ Mr. Ness Edwards
If that is so, why did the right hon. Gentleman, in the speech which he made outside the House, say that the question of breaking the monopoly in sound was obviously one which would have to be considered by a committee which the Government would set up. Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether or not he is flying kites?

§ Mr. Marples
If we should have a comprehensive review, as was forecast in 1954 in the debate on the I.T.A., clearly everything should be included in that review, including commercial sound broadcasting. The committee may say that it is not worth while or the committee may want it, but it will clearly be included in that review. The Question on the Order Paper asks what the Government have in mind at the moment.

§ Sir R. Grimston
In view of the success and popularity which have attended the breaking of the B.B.C. monopoly in television—

§ Mr. Ellis Smith
Success?

§ Sir R. Grimston
—would it not be as well to consider breaking the monopoly in sound?

§ Mr. Marples
That may be desirable, but I think it would be part of a comprehensive review and could not be effected on its own by the Government.

§ Mr. Ness Edwards
Is there no limit at all to the opportunities which the Government are going to give to their friends to make profits from public services?

§ Mr. Darling
In view of the fact that the Minister has power now to license any radio station or television station without seeking approval from the House, will he give an assurance that there will be a full discussion, not only of the possibilities of the sound broadcasting monopoly being broken, but of the terms of reference of any such committee which may be set up to inquire into it, before we go any further?

§ Mr. Marples
On a question like that I should not like without notice to give any assurance, because we must consider these matters very calmly. If there is to be a comprehensive review, I cannot see why any Member should wish to exclude sound broadcasting from it.