HC Deb 19 March 1958 vol 584 cc1247-8
20. Sir L. Plummer

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is satisfied that the new sound broadcasting policy of the British Broadcasting Corporation, initiated in October last, remains in conformity with the Corporation's Charter; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. K. Thompson

Yes, Sir. As regards the second part of the Question, I would remind the House that successive Governments have endorsed the independence of the B.B.C. in making programmes.

Sir L. Plummer

Surely it has been accepted that the Postmaster-General has a responsibility for the overall policy of the B.B.C.? Will the hon. Gentleman put it to his right hon. Friend that he should now use his powers, in view of the fact that serious talks and drama have been cut drastically since the new programmes came into operation? The Third Programme has been cut by 40 per cent. and the Light Programme contains nothing serious. Further, under Clause 14 (1) of the Charter it is the Minister's responsibility to talk to the B.B.C. about this depreciation in the quality of the programmes.

Mr. Thompson

Unless and until the B.B.C. makes some drastic change in the pattern of its broadcasting programmes, my right hon. Friend is not called upon to intervene in any way. That has not happened so far. If it did, I have no doubt that my right hon. Friend would act at once.

Mr. Ness Edwards

Is not the hon. Member aware that the announcement made last October indicated a very drastic change in policy? The whole balance has been upset and the Third Programme content of the general programmes has been cut down in favour of light entertainment. Will the hon. Member look at the matter again, or discuss it with his right hon. Friend, in order to see that the reputation of the B.B.C. for good broadcasting is maintained?

Mr. Thompson

Arguments were expressed in this House very widely at the time to which the right hon. Gentleman referred. I ought to remind the House that there were then, and still are, two sections of opinion as to the effects of these changes. So far as I can discover from the B.B.C., the Third Programme listener figures are more or less the same as before these changes were made, which would seem to indicate that they are retaining their listeners.

Mr. Ness Edwards

Is it not the fact that we have now had six months' experience which has shown that the programmes are generally of a lower standard? Will not the hon. Gentleman look at this again?

Mr. Thompson

I am sure the B.B.C. will read the exchanges in this House today and take them into account when deciding its future policy.