§ 41. Colonel Glynasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the likelihood of a progressive worsening of the supply of newspapers to the public; and whether he will use his powers under Section 15 (3) of the British Broadcasting Corporation Licence and Agreement to ensure that such worsening will be balanced, in the national interest, by an increase in the news services provided by broadcasting and television, and whether 1353 he will further ensure that these increased news services include comprehensive reports of the proceedings in Parliament.
§ Mr. K. ThompsonClause 15 (2) of the Licence and Agreement already places on the Corporation the duty to broadcast an impartial account day by day of the proceedings in Parliament. Clause 15 (3) of the British Broadcasting Corporation Licence and Agreement does not give my right hon. Friend power to give a general direction to increase news or other coverage. It relates to such matters as specific announcements.
§ Colonel GlynDoes my hon. Friend agree that it is in the national interest that the public should be kept fully informed of events as they occur, and will he do his best to see that any diminution in the news services supplied by the national newspapers is matched by increased news services provided by broadcasting and telecasting? Will he bear in mind that no reasonable person could object to this being done, as the national newspapers are not involved in any industrial dispute?
§ Mr. ThompsonYes. I am quite sure that the B.B.C. is conscious of its responsibility in this matter.