§ 46. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Postmaster-General what steps he will take with regard to the proposals to buy advertising time for a propaganda campaign by steel interests against renationalisation, which contravene the Second Schedule to the Television Act, 1954.
§ Mr. MarplesThe Independent Television Authority informs me that it is not aware of any such proposals: and it assures me that if any proposals were made which appeared to contravene the Second Schedule of the Television Act, it would not accept them.
§ Mr. AllaunWill the Minister state that such political advertising would in fact contravene the Act? Is he aware that the steel combines, backed with unlimited funds, are itching to buy their way into this medium, even if they lose their money?
§ Mr. MarplesI think that the Independent Television Authority is a responsible body. It cannot judge any proposals until those proposals are before it.