HC Deb 26 February 1958 vol 583 cc371-2
47. Sir I. Clark Hutchison

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware, that many doctors believe that the television programme, "Your Life in Their Hands", will have a bad effect upon viewers; and if he will use his powers under Section 15(4) of the Licence and Agreement to instruct the British Broadcasting Corporation to refrain from showing this type of programme.

Mr. Marples

I am aware that opinions differ about the merits of these programmes, but I see no reason to interfere with the independence of the B.B.C. in making programmes.

Sir I. Clark Hutchison

Does not my right hon. Friend think that this is rather a morbid type of programme? Will he consult representatives of medical opinion and consider this again?

Mr. Marples

I must emphasise that the B.B.C. is responsible for the programme, and not the Postmaster-General. As to consulting medical opinion, before the programme, the B.B.C. consulted the Royal College of Surgeons, the Royal College of Physicians and the College of General Practitioners. After the programme, those three Colleges said that they appreciated the programme.

Mr. Ness Edwards

Will the Postmaster-General give an undertaking that he will do nothing to stop the B.B.C. proceeding with educational programmes of this sort?

Mr. Marples

As I say, the B.B.C. is independent in the choice of its programmes.

Mr. H. Morrison

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I saw this programme last night? It dealt with an operation on the heart, and I thought that it was done very carefully and respectfully; it was educational, and was conducted in co-operation with the local hospital authorities. May I ask the Postmaster-General not to be unduly influenced by his hon. Friends?

Mr. Marples

I assure the right hon. Gentleman that I shall endeavour to be impartial.

Sir H. Linstead

Does my right hon. Friend agree that the reaction from the public, as received by the B.B.C., has been almost entirely favourable to this programme?

Mr. Marples

As far as I understand, there had been, up to 20th February, very little reaction in the form of letters. There were twenty-five letters approving and encouraging the programme, six suggesting additions to the service and, I think, seven suggesting that the programme is unsuitable. The Post Office has received no letters.

Sir I. Clark Hutchison

In view of that Answer, I will endeavour to raise this matter in the course of the Adjournment debate tomorrow.